You need to make a reservation for L'Artusi years in advance... or at least the week before, if you try a walk-in then ask to be seated at the bar, as always in New York that is the best seats at any of my favorites restaurants.

The best place to see a dramatic sunset is right by Valentino Pier in my neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. This was right after a storm. It's wild and brilliant and peaceful all at once.

Hands down the best wood fire pizza I've had in Brooklyn. Great for a date or if you're feeling fancy schmancy. (Also, don't sleep on the caesar salad here.)

A place for when you only have a day and your soul needs the smell of an ocean breeze and to feel sand between your toes. You can watch all the craziness of Coney Island from across the water.

I keep going there when I miss my friend Aggeliki. We meet on the line waiting to watch Martha Marcy May Marlene. I just arrived in NYC, I remember we both were in the same situation. We became very close since that day.