One thing on which we definitely can agree is that SoCal sets a very high bar when it comes to Chinese (and Korean as well). I never cease to come away seriously impressed.

As you may have noticed, some folks have a tough time accepting views that differ from their own. While I'm frankly inclined to agree with the OP when it comes to the depth and quality of the best Chinese food available in and around NYC, I find your take pretty interesting. So take heart. We've got your back. You said it best...[shrug].

DD - Thanks for one of the best overviews of San Diego area Mexican - the highs and lows both - that I've come across in some time. Nicely done.

Only had a single dinner at Coquette with a fairly large group and frankly we were disappointed. Starters and desserts were good - very good (if not memorable) and service and ambiance were fine. The mains however were bland and unimpressive and given the prices and our admittedly high expectations we left wishing we had gone elsewhere. By contrast, we absolutely loved Boucherie across the board. Go figure.

+2 for Artopolis - Astoria. I'll add that in my experience the Morningside Heights outpost is but a pale imitation of the main location in Astoria. Well worth the trip to Queens. Frankly, I'm not sure I'd even bother with M. Heights.

We were very impressed with a recent dinner at Boucherie. Preparations were wonderful, service was pleasant and attentive, surroundings were comfortable and appealing. Can't wait to return. Would recommend without hesitation.

+2 for Boucherie.

Boucherie on Jeannette near Carrollton Ave. Everyone in our party loved the food. Excellent service as well. More lively than quiet but comfortable and pleasant overall. They really deserve more love and attention on these boards. More than I can say about some of the other pricier alternatives...

El Atoradero is 800 E. 149th St (several blocks W of the Bruckner) and the Lechonera Pirana truck is 152nd St just W of Wales Ave.

+2 for Selva Grill. Exceptional preparations, wonderful service, agreeable energy. Best piscos ever. Can't wait to return. Pricey, yes - and worth it.

I'd go with Boucherie and Casamentos. Entirely different from one another - Boucherie is informal but comfortable and ambitious while Casamentos is a simple neighborhood spot - but both are excellent and highly enjoyable in a very characteristic NO manner. Plenty of options in the neighborhood but I'll vouch you'll be very pleased with these two.

+2 Everything we ordered was terrific, including the gnocchi. Well, ok, desserts were merely very good...Can't wait to return!

The only notable omission in the responses to date is Boucherie just off Carrollton Ave. While reactions appear somewhat mixed, I must say a recent dinner there was truly exceptional. The small plates format was ideal for sampling a wide variety of preparations and the quality was consistently impressive. All in a lively, charming setting with wonderful service and very reasonable prices. Right up there with Herbsaint to my surprise (and with more consistent service). Can't wait to return. Oh - and do be sure to make it to Casamentos. It's the real deal.

Another vote for Harbor Seafood

That is kind of remarkable given your inclination to hit Lincoln in the first place. Good to see you're arranging for an inaugural visit in great style. If only you could combine it with an outdoor opera screening or romp on the tilted lawn...but I suppose it's the wrong season for that.

You're right on track. No jacket required. As best I recall, spagghetoni, uova pomodoro and branzino were especially well received. It's very quiet before noon, picks up thereafter. Great choice.

Very helpful. Thanks to all!

Following an evening arrival I was hoping to grab a quick meal at one of the above spots on the way in. Have never been to Boucherie and have not been to Y.O.C.I. in ages (pre-Katrina). I know they're very different but remain interested in both. Have seen some mixed reports. Any words of wisdom on their respective qualities and strengths?

They did say there were plans to create an outdoor dining area in front with heaters. That may take some time though. Glad to hear the new location is being recognized.

By chance we got there the very evening they opened at the new location. We sampled a range of standard dishes incl. pork larb, papaya salad, basil chili w/ minced chicken, drunken noodles w/ shrimp, chicken wings, penang curry w/ beef - all excellent. (Only exception offhand was fried rice w/ Thai sausage, which was pretty dull. Would skip that one.) Space is pleasant and attractive, the staff very welcoming. Service was excellent throughout. Remarkable they could pull this off at such a consistently high level on the opening day. Place is firing on all cylinders - the best meal in the area in some time. Can't wait to get back and explore the menu further. Fingers crossed they can sustain it over time. Let's show them some support!

Had a virtually identical experience at the UWS Legend this evening. While some dishes were more successful than others - dan dan noodles, braised fish with pickled mustard greens, and snow pea shoots were good - not one dish approached the full on spice sensation characteristic of Szechuan food. From the first bite it was evident the preparation had been 'sanitized' (the later protests of our waitress notwithstanding). Speaking of which...service to the extent it existed at all alternated between rude and clueless. All in all a major letdown Does not hold a candle to 56th St Szechuan Gourmet.

Longman & Eagle also kid friendly. At last visit (brunch) at least 2-3 tables included small children. Really a terrific spot by the way.

The original is long gone. No idea if a place using the same name is still around. Sorry.

Could it be Gin Go Gae?

Gam Mee Ok on Main St. Good food (non barbecue) in a reasonably comfortable setting.

Second the Bosphorous suggestion. Assuming it's at all comparable to its former incarnation as Anatolia you won't be sorry. Among the best Turkish meals I've had in years and for me the most memorable spot in Orlando. Highly recommended.

Depending on your price point, Lincoln may be a desirable option. Food and service are excellent, setting is beautiful, and the Sunday brunch uncrowded at that hour. If you're willing to shell out you won't be sorry.

Must have been present at different times. You clearly lucked out!

Ditto on the items mentioned (though we skipped the fritters). Also loved the 'mohingar' (noodle soup with fish based broth) and liked the papaya salad. Everything - without exception - was good to great. This is truly a must do event. Not to be missed.

Oh - and the music was mostly terrible and very loud. Didn't matter though.

Spirito's in Elizabeth merits high consideration as a dinner option. The ultimate classic red sauce joint - it has been around forever - the scene in the main dining room alone is a trip (especially on weekends). Highlights include their ravioli, thin crust pizza and chicken parm. Throw in the garlic salad and you're set. Cheap house wine only. Walk down the street a block or so afterwards to sample the Italian ice at Di Cosmo's. A true time capsule - and very very good.