My partner and I celebrated my birthday there in February. I had the black label burger as I am a big fan of burgers in general. I thought the burger was good. I wasn't wowed by it. However, I really enjoyed the experience. We went at 5:30 on a Sunday and were one of the first tables to be seated. It was a corner table by the ladies room by the kitchen and at first I was hesitant to sit there but it ended up being a great table as it offered a nice view of the room and we didn't notice the kitchen or bathroom at all even as the restaurant filled. The service was excellent. We didn't feel rushed and the rest of the food; bone marrow, tavern steak, and the pudding for dessert (so so good for something so simple) were terrific. I was very happy to have spent my birthday there and we still comment what a nice time we had. I tried to get the reservation 3 weeks out and 5:30 was the only thing I could get for that night.

There's a vendor at the greenmarket in union square that sells them. Although I'm not sure what days they are there. I think wednesday or Friday and Saturday. I just had their Pumpkin Whoppie Pies and they were really good.

The pita place next to Num Pang has a delicious chicken gyro or platter.

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Num Pang Sandwich Shop
21 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

The octopus salad. Every time I've had it it's been so tasty, fresh and tender, like butter.

I went to A-Wah after reading a few reviews and was underwhelmed as well. First, I had read about a complimentary bowl of soup given to customers but had forgotten until the end of the meal when I was looking around at other tables and saw it being served to all the Asian customers. The only other non-asian table also didn't have the soup. OK, I was full anyway and really didn't care about getting it but it was the principle. The pork dumplings were terrible, they had no flavor. The Peking Duck Buns were very good. The squid with salt and pepper while seasoned perfectly, not too salty, were rubbery. The clay pot rice was good I thought but I have nothing to compare it to, but it's not a dish I would order again. There were 3 of us and we none of us were wowed.

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A-Wah
5 Catherine St, New York, NY 10038

I just had lunch at the great NY Noodletown on Bowery. I had the suckling pig and it was better than the pig I had at Botin in Madrid. The skin was thin and crispy, irresistible. The last time I was there I had soft shell crabs and they were outstanding.

Francisco's Centro Vasco: 159 West 23rd St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues

It is a spanish restaurant that is not too expensive. The serve salad, potatoes and vegetable family style and it's included with your order.

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Francisco's Centro Vasco
159 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10011

There is a relatively new fish and seafood stall in the Union Square Green Market on Saturday that sells them.

I had brunch at Aurora on Broome off of Varick by a block or two. It was very good. The restaurant is very cozy and not too cramped. Brunch was quiet but not sure about dinner.
http://www.auroraristorante.com/sohom...

I've eaten at Buena Sera (university and 12th) 3 times and loved it every time but not everyone loves it. It's very cozy and I've gotten a nice pour of wine along with very good food.

There is a place named International Food (I think) on 9th avenue between 40th and 41st or 41st and 42nd on the west side of the street. It has greek specialties but other things as well.

I saw her this past wednesday morning, the 27th, at union square. Are the tamales great? I was thinking of trying one the next time I saw her.

Eisenberg's on 5th has great pastrami. The bread is only there to soak up the fat. I find it ridiculous that one should have to ask for a "juicy" anything. It should just be that way.