NYC Eating: Rafele, Kurumazushi & Charlie Bird

Charlie BirdIf you live in New York City, you have to take advantage of living here. Or else why not live in a place ten times the size for a quarter of the price with two cars and central air? When it comes to restaurants, this is a habit that can get expensive quickly. But it's like theater to me, so I pay up.

Lately, I've seen some A-list performances in the restaurant world and a few bombs.

Rafele - Quiet, but yet totally lively and convivial Italian joint in the West Village. Perfect for a first-time double date with a great couple. The owner was born and raised in Naples, and the food reminded me of so many great meals I've had in Italy.

Kurumazushi - This place, open in NYC since 1977 (long before you could find sushi at your corner Duane Reade), is on the second floor of a random Midtown office building. When we went on a Friday night, it was deserted. We were the only people there, which has never happened to me...ever (naturally, you run the other direction if a restaurant is empty). But they usher you in with such kindness and the chef, lording over his sushi counter, is over-the-top joyful and welcoming. And the sushi - It's divine. It is buttery, unbelievably fresh, and flown in daily from the Tokyo Fish Market. It is NOT cheap however.

Entrance to the office building for KurumazushiAnd last night - the fabulous Charlie Bird, which exceeded every expectation. It opened last June (recently started serving lunch) in a spot where the West Village and SoHo come together. Share everything - we split the farro salad, the raw scallop, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi, roast chicken, and chocolate budino with olive oil gelato. Plus, in a very un-NYC twist, everyone who works there is REALLY friendly. They smile at you and ask you questions and don't look like they'd rather be anywhere else.

On the opposite side of the friendly spectrum, I tried Cucina Ciano on the Upper East Side. I was so excited to try it - I loved the first Ciano in Madison Square before it closed. We waited an hour for our 8:30 reservation and I'm being nice when I call the hostess snippy and cold. I wanted to bark back at her but held it together. I had to shout to my friends sitting right next to me because it was so loud and the food was fine, but not like the old Ciano. I love the owners so I hope the kinks get worked out.

Charlie Bird