AskCat.com/New York Eats

A friend is heading down to NYC for her sister's 40th. No kids, just a bunch of girls heading down to eat, drink, shop and be merry. Looking for some restaurant and watering hole recommendations, I thought back to my most recent trip to the Apple.

On my last visit, a friend and I happily polished off a bottle of sparkling rose over some tasty grub at Bread on Spring Street. The lamb ragout was delish and the afternoon bubbly sublime. This spot is on the same block as Rice to Riches, the only-in-New-York all rice pudding restaurant. I don't actually like rice pudding, but this place is amusing enough to warrant a mention. And from what I hear, if you dig the RP, this is the place for you.

Elephant was a great dinner. Fun scene, cool 'hood. Pan-Asian menu, reggae soundtrack, handsome bartender. Just sayin'.

I am a die-hard fan of Veselka, which is open 24 hours a day. Who doesn't want late-night perogies?? Alone or with friends: for breakfast, lunch or dinner, I make an effort to go there every time I visit The City. LOVE.

The Cake Shop is a unique hybrid of bar/cafe/record shop/live music venue in a GREAT part of town for nightlife. Go for the vegan brownie: stay for the slam dancing.

Finally, Rosa Mexicano near Lincoln Center is amazing refined Mexican...pomegranate margaritas, anyone? Ole!

If you're more interested in reading about New York than actually visiting these places, amuse yourself with Fake NY Restaurant Reviews. And if you happen to be subscribing to the All Nacho Diet craze, treat yourself to NachosNY, the Quest for the best nachos in NYC.