GIANFABIO'S

I only get to visit Barb and Bill in St. Louis once or twice a year, but we managed to eat at Gianfabio's during my last two trips.  It's a gem that's nestled in a little business strip in Chesterfield, Missouri.  My first time there, we ate at a table in the bar.  The second time, we ate in the dining room branding white tablecloths and very attentive waiters.  Both times the food was outstanding, allowing us to leave very satisfied.  It is nice to know one doesn't have to drive downtown to "dine".


GIANFABIO'S
127 Hilltown Village Center
Chesterfield, MO  63017
PH: 636-532-6686

BREAKFAST ON THE HIGH LINE

Sunday Brunch was scheduled for 1pm, so Vicki and I had plenty of time to relax on a beautiful morning.   We cruised through the Chelsea Market and found just the right muffins to eat with our coffee and tea.  Then we walked the High Line, found a partly shaded bench, and relaxed while we people-watched.  Afterward, we completed the stroll to the end of the Line and worked our way back downtown.  Starting a day that way doesn't get any better!

DBGB

Vicki chose DBDG, one of Daniel Boulud's restaurants.  It's downtown so we walked.  I love walking to or  from dinner, it always makes me feel like that little bit of exercise makes up for any periods of gluttony.  We sat at the bar, something we often choose to do.  It's casual and the bar tender pays attention to you sitting directly in his path all evening.  Not to mention, he or she keeps our glasses filled.  Our goal that evening was to sample some of the twelve varieties of house made sausage along with a few other small plates and bread.  We loved our experience (and the food) and had so much fun we didn't want it to end.  So, what did we do??  We jumped in a cab and scooted over to Magnolia Bakery in the West Village for some cupcakes.  We sat in the nearby park and behaved like little girls.  Fun night!!



DBDG
Kitchen and Bar
299 Bowery
(Between Houston and 1st St)
New York, NY  10003
PH: 212-933-5300

FANELLI'S CAFE

It was too early for dinner, so Vicki and I decided to have a drink in Fanelli's.  When we first entered, I was a little skeptical.  It was loud and appeared to be a burger stop with no charm of its own.  But once we were seated at the bar, everything changed.  I looked around and noticed all the photos on the wall, the tin ceiling, a dining room in the back, and quickly became intrigued by the bar tender.  He is Bob Bozic, a former heavyweight boxer who has worked there many years.  His stories were as entertain
ing as his delivery.  What a treat!









FANELLI'S CAFE
94 Prince Street (at Mercer)
SoHo, NY  10012
PH: 212-226-9412

MEG COHEN DESIGN SHOP

Vicki and I arrived at Kittichai early, so we decided to wander a little while we waited for Devin.  Directly across the street from our restaurant was Meg Cohen Design Shop.  It's a small space, but many in the Village are, so we were comfortable.  She had some great things.  Vicki walked out draped in a chic cotton scarf, not to mention owning a pair of vintage sun glasses.  It was a very good find!!


MEG COHEN DESIGN SHOP
59 Thompson Street
New York, NY  10012
PH: 212-966-3733

KITTICHAI

 It's no secret that I love Sunday Brunch.  And, there's no place better to enjoy brunch than in New York City.  It's always an adventure to find a great brunch - one with good food and unlimited mimosas.  Devin found one such place and met Vicki and I there recently.  It is Kittichai, a Thai restaurant in the South Village.  We had a wonderful time and were happy to add it to our list of successful and fun brunch spots.  A good place for those looking for an adult environment.

KITTICHAI
60 Thompson Street
New York, NY  10012
PH: 212-219-2000

PRUNE

 A few weekends ago, Vicki and I met in New York for a fun few days.  The weather was perfect for lots of walking, and our hotel was located in SoHo, our favorite neighborhood for shopping.  We managed to get reservations at PRUNE on Saturday night and loved it.  Our roasted calamari appetizer was delicious, not the least bit rubbery.  Vicki enjoyed her shrimp entree (served with their heads), but I have to say that my pork chop was amazing.  It was huge and cooked perfectly.  As I looked around the intimate setting, it was evident that I was not the only one who made this excellent choice.  Just when we thought it couldn't get better, it did.  Our desserts were outstanding.  Vicki had mascarpone ice cream with salted caramel croutons.   Yummmm.  But, as delicious as that was, I still needed a chocolate fix.  My  chocolate espresso pot de creme was the perfect answer!  I left PRUNE totally satisfied, happy to be one of its patrons.

PRUNE
54 East First Street
NY, New York  10003
PH: 212-677-6221