24 Decadent Hours in Manhattan....

I received so many wonderful emails after my French London email that I thought I would share my recent NY culinary adventure. Once again, I was spoiled with 24 hours of generous and terrifyingly indulgent dining. Suffice it to say that there will be nothing but protein shakes and water for the rest of the week!

Pastis - www.pastisny.com - Pastis is without question one of NY's most popular and chic spots in the Meatpacking District. The most desired tables are for Saturday night dinner or Sunday brunch when the scene is at the height of downtown NY fabulous. That said, it is wonderful on any day of the week and there is something quite magical about being in the Meatpacking District at 8:30 am on a Tuesday before everything (and everyone) really awakens. I tried to behave myself and have tartine and cafe au lait. Of course, the tartine comes with Nutella....so I wasn't THAT much of a good girl! My companion had salmon and eggs which looked delish. What I appreciate most about Pastis is that the service is never pretentious and always beyond lovely.

Beppe - www.beppenyc.com - Beppe is on 22nd in the Flatiron District and is a favourite haunt of CAA agents for lunch. It is a small (15 ish tables), lovely Italian spot with attentive service and a great 3 course, fixe prix lunch menu. I had salumi and buratta cheese with marinated peppers, kobe beef over arugula, and the Beppe s'more and canoli for dessert. I know....I know....bad girl for having a lunch that big knowing that dinner at Elio's was also on tap that evening! That said, everything was divine and well worth the indulgence. Their truffle parmesan fries have been consumed on other occasions and beyond incredible.

Elio's - Elio's, we decided at dinner, is among the best of Old New York. It has been an Upper East Side institution forever, and is filled with Italian speaking waiters, UES couples who still appreciate that one should dress for dinner, and delicious food. We dined on beef carpaccio with truffle oil, tomato and buffalo mozzarella salad, red snapper, veal paillard....and tartufo et gelati. The dining room was very crowded and hot, so my companion and I opted for a table outside and for most of our meal, we dined blissfully alone and well cared for by the staff. Elio's is best known for spaghetti and meatballs on Wednesday nights, and is a perfect place for a grown up dinner - either with friends or with a lover.

Norma's - At the Parker Meridian Hotel on 56th and 6th, Norma's is my absolute favourite place for breakfast in the city. The Blueberry Pancakes keep me coming back for more... as they are served with blueberry compote and clotted cream. My companion had waffles with fruit inside and out and a brule topping that were staggering. Lunch is equally fabulous - with the lobster macaroni and cheese being a favourite. It's even better, I learned from a producer friend of mine, when one has truffle oil added. Of course, what isn't better with a little truffle oil added!? Be forewarned....The food and the price tag are not for the faint of heart. Breakfast for 2 came in at $75. Only in New York!

Of course, I can't wait to go back for more!

Bon appetit and Kisses - A