Watermelon Salad

The Spreads

Greek Salad

King Prawns

Bronzino

Amylos Taverna is not your typical greek restaurant in a neighborhood known for greek eateries. The creative menu aims to elevate the dining experience and the decor is more Flatiron or Chelsea than Astoria, not that there is anything wrong with Astoria. The fresh fish display is artfully done and the bar is modern and chic. The service was very friendly and attentive. We loved the watermelon salad, which is perfect for summer. The whole fish, deboned, and the King Prawns were as fresh as can be. The typical greek spreads and the greek salad were delicious. The specialty cocktails were light and flavorful as were the desserts.

Located at 33-19 Broadway Astoria, NY amylos.com (718) 215-0228

Senso Unico in Sunnyside Queens is a quick 15 minute ride from midtown Manhattan. Chef Vincenzo and wife Laura opened this charming Italian trattoria about a year and a half ago. The neighborhood is growing quickly and the foodie scene is making a mark in the area. We loved the flatbread menu, the rib-eye carpaccio, the cuoppo, and the traditional calamaratta al frutti di mare.

Located 43-04 47th avenue Sunnyside, Queens 11104 (347) 662-6101 sensounicorestaurant.com

Chicken Tikka Masala

Saffron Shrimp

Lasooni Gobi

Roasted Masala is less than a year old and is already gaining steam for offering high end Indian Cuisine on the Upper West Side. Offering sit down service as well as takeout, the prices are affordable and the portions are large and can be shared. The location is perfect for Columbia University students, staff, and visiting family. Our favorites were the lasooni gobi (crispy cauliflower), the butter chicken, chicken tikka masala, and the saffron shrimp. The staff was extremely attentive and accommodating.

Located at 914 Columbus ave. between 104th and 105th street. New York, NY (917) 388-3586

roastedmasala.com

Citrico Brooklyn in Brooklyn Heights offers truly authentic Mexican fare from the Central and Southern States of Mexico, not the typical Northern Tex-Mex New Yorkers are used to. Yes, even grasshoppers, appear on the menu! The dishes are infused with citrus, as the name suggests. The citrus and passionfruit margaritas are delicious. The ceviche with added citrus is very different and tasty as is the guacamole topped with fresh pomegranate. The “Elote” Mexican corn is served fresh with cotija cheese, chipotle mayo and chili powder. The Pollo en Mole must be tried, served in their homemade sauce with rice & beans.

Located at 681 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11238 (347) 955-4519 citricobrooklyn.com

Ayada Thai- Chelsea Market is the newest outpost of the Elmhurst, Queens based restaurant opened over 11 years ago. The new location is inside the very robust and popular Chelsea Market in the meatpacking district. The menu ranges from chive dumplings, noodles of every kind, spicy tom yum soup to fried Whole Red Snapper. The fried chicken wings in a sweet chili sauce were fantastic.

Located at 75 Ninth Avenue, Inside Chelsea Market New York, NY ayadathai.com

Hamachi

Sauteed Sea Scallop

Wine Pairing

Chef Vincent

Coarse NYC is a very different and interesting dining experience. Chef Vincent Chirico does all the thinking for the guests with a spontaneous 7 course menu, paired with wines chosen by him and his staff for $99. Heavily seafood based but can be adjusted for dietary restrictions or preferences. We really enjoyed the hamachi and avocado, the seared sea scallops and the burrata ravioli.

Located at 306 west 13th street New York, NY (646) 896-1404

coarseny.com