Kefi
Artie's
Celeste
Ouest
Ocean Grill
Neptune Room
Telepan

Good post. Brunch is one of the city's biggest scams. On the UWS, you must try Big Nick's for breakfast. An original dump.

Bollito misto. Barbetta is a Piemontese restaurant.

Chola, on E. 58th St., along with Devi and Tamarind, the best Indian in Manhattan.

Devi, Tamarind, and Chola are the top three Indian restaurants in Manhattan. You can't go wrong with any of the above.

Deans is usually pretty decent for Upper West Side pizza, though last Saturday I had a very bad "square" pie. Was it an aberration? One can only hope.

I second the recommendation of Glaser's. It's a flash from the past without heavy prices.

Nizza is an excellent pre-theater choice. Nothing is over $12 and the food was fresh and original; Italian-influenced Provencal cuisine, Nice in particular.

Charm is the best on the UWS.

Nowhere until March, at the earliest. The South American mangoes are awful.

Michelin is a waste; the writing is awful and the "reviews" not really reviews. Critics, on the other hand, are just that: critics. One person's opinion. The best way to land a good meal, I feel, is to see who universally praises a restaurant, including we here on Chowhound.

Agreed, Bunson. It's pretty much unwatchable now unless you like reality shows and shlock. Stick to PBS for anything worthwhile on food.

The Michelin NYC guide is unreadable. Of no help at all to anyone who might have an interest in dining in New York City.

The smoked chorizo appetizer is simple and works with saltine crackers, the brisket and ribs are winners; both smoked to tender perfection. Portions are huge. Drinks are potent. Avoid the bull and bring a flashlight if you need to go to the bathroom.

I like him despite his gargantuan ego, but I guess that comes with the territory these days.

Devi is kaput.

#28 Carmine. Very underrated and not the scene that is Una Pizza.. .

Listen, I wouldn't grieve over not getting a Michelin guide in LA. The NYC Michelin guide is an embarrassment; the writing is awful and the restaurant coverage dubious at best. It's a sham.

Believe it or not, Carmine's serves very decent Italian-American fare. The marinara sauce is quite good and the rigatoni is never overcooked. Also, the chicken scarpiello is masterful and tough to duplicate. Get it without the sausage. It's loud and a good place for kids; don't expect to hear much more than the person next to you.

Don't know about Zabb Thai in the East Village, but I do know Zabb Queens is spectacular.

A little too smug and full of himself for my taste. But that's just my opinion.

Krik Krak, Haitian food on Amsterdam between 101-102nd. Try the lambi (conch).

The chili rubbed ribeye was the best steak I had all year. The sides are very good. It's the perfect choice for your birthday dinner.

1. Porter House
2. Strip Hous
3. Keens
4. BLT Steak
5. Homestead

Most liquor stores carry it. Pitu and "51" are the most popular brands.

It used to be far and away the best food magazines. I'll never forget the story on Angostura Bitters and the one on the tomato crush. But since it was bought by World Publishing in Orlando, it's just not as classy and isn't attracting the writers it once did. Also, it is obviously done on the cheap since that company took over.

My bad, I thought the poster was looking for a moderate of $20 or under per person. $35 is indeed moderate.

Compass? Cafe Luxembourg? Didn't the poster say $20 or under per person? Forget it. That's inexpensive, not moderate.

Sorry to say, Asian Man, $20 per person is not moderate in NYC unless you don't count a beverage. The only "great" restaurant near the Beacon is Kefi, on West 79th. It's traditional Greek food and I can tell you there isn't an entree over $20; most are in the $12-$16 range. If you just eat the mezedes (small plates) and don't drink any wine, you might make your target of $20 per person.

TONY's restaurant reviews have really slipped the past couple of years, in my opinion.