Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is intoxicatingly delicious.  You know it’s the real deal when you’re in conversation about the spot and the stranger in front of you turns around to give you not one…but two thumbs up.  Yes, take the hint that it is worth checking out.  The cookies are top notch and only sold for a mere $1.25.  Splurge for the superior option and get the Deluxe Cookies only $2.25.  Try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookie with thick chunks of Reese’s Pieces or the S’mores Deluxe with bits of Marshmallow and Cookie Chips tucked inside.  For true traditional chocolate lovers, indulge in the Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie oozing with chocolaty goodness.  Insomnia Cookie truly caters to the munchie crowd.  The bakery is open until 3:00am daily and makes deliveries to costumers untill 2:30am in the morning.

LOCATION: 50 West 8th Street (Between Mac Dougal St & Avenue of the Americas) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2) (A,B,C,D,E,F,M) (L)

LOCATION: 405 Amsterdam Avenue (Between 79th & 80st Street) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2) (A,B,C)

MORE INFORMATION: www.insomniacookies.com 

Luke's Lobster

Luke's Lobster has been highly praised as the creme deal creme of Lobster Rolls in Manhattan.  The seafood eatery has over time grown to three store fronts throughout town churning out roll after roll daily.  Unfortunately, like a child who learns that Santa is but a figmant of his imagination, the rolls are not as heavenly as they claim.  While the lobster meat is plentiful and served cold with spices and a touch of mayo, the true downfall lies in the puny thin hot dog bun that tastes like garlic bread.  Surprisingly, the New England Clam Chowder is the best dish served.  Although the clam meat and potatoes are cut into minuscule chunks, the overall soup consistency and rich creamy taste stems true to what a traditional New England Clam Chowder should.

LOCATION: 93 East 7th Street (Between 1st Ave & Avenue A)

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (F) (L)

LOCATION: 242 East 81st Street (Between 3rd & 2nd Avenue) - $$.5

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6)

LOCATION: 426 Amsterdam Avenue (Between 80th & 81st Street) - $$.5

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2) (A,B,C)

MORE INFORMATION: www.lukeslobster.com

Morandi Restaurant

HANSEL AND GRETEL'S COTTAGE?

Owner Keith McNally is no stranger to the restaurant industry.  With highly regarded award winning restaurants like Balthazar and Patis, McNally’s New York City eateries cater to the casually chic Euro crowd.  Morandi in Greenwich Village amplifies the same posh vibe with a rustic Italian twist.   Narrow brick archways with exposed brick walls and petite wooden tables set the tone for the intimate dining experience.  Arrive during happy hour to find the stylish energetic crowd and a bar packed with socials and models alike.  The crowd is beautiful.  

The food is secondary to the atmosphere yet the evening menu is straightforward and reliably delicious although it is difficult to peg one dish as the standout.  The most recent draw seems to be the weekend brunch receiving great praise.  Try the Fazzoletti di ricotta - ricotta fritter ($13) or the Fazzoletti di ricotta - crepes with lemon, ricotta & strawberries ($13) both dishes shown above.  Arrive during the week and some dishes are marked nearly 40% off the brunch menu.  But let’s face it, the vast majority of New Yorkers don’t have the time or drive to get out for breakfast on a weekday. The evidence? Check your local Starbucks, no wonder the lines are so long. 

LOCATION: 211 Waverly Place (Between 10th and Charles Street) - $$$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2,3), (A,B,C,D,E,F,M)

MORE INFORMATION: www.morandiny.com

Prosperity Dumpling

Is it cheap? Definitely.  Is it completely sanitary? Well...Maybe not. Is it delicious? Without a doubt. Prosperity Dumpling in the heart of China Town is the epitome of the best bang for your buck. With an occupancy of less than 10 people, the dumpling dive is not the type of place to sit and linger.  Behold the satisfying bundles of joy come in a small styrofoam container 5 dumplings for $1.  Start the feast with the #4) Chives & Pork Fried Dumplings and finish with the thick, dense and doughy #15) Sesame Pancakes.

LOCATION: 46 Eldridge Street (Between Hester & Canal Street) -$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (B,D) (F) (J)

Wafels & Dinges

A big corporate consultant at IBM, Thomast DeGeest, gave up his career to start a new venture.  Today DeGeest is known as the "The Wafel King of New York" and locals and tourist are flocking to the Wafels & Dinges yellow truck  to take a bite out of his success.  Covered in every major publication under the sun - from New York Times to Food & Wine to MSNBC - it's safe to say DeGeest has made his mark.

LOCATE THE FOOD TRUCK VISIT: http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/location.html - $