Frankie's 457

...is located in Brooklyn at 457 Court Street.

"J" and I started with the chicken liver and pistachio crostini ($6) and two orders of the chickpea crostini ($3 each). Both were very good.

And we both ordered the spaghetti carbonara with guanciale ($18) for our entrees. We thought the pasta was a little too chewy and not al dente.

For dessert "J" had the Tiramisu ($6.50) and I had the Italian Ricotta cheesecake ($5.50). Both desserts were very good.

Torches on the Hudson

is located in NYC's Orange County town of Newburgh at 120 Front Street - situated along the Hudson River. It's a grand restaurant for the area and is busiest during the warmer months when the view of the Hudson is at its best.

"J" had a Caesar Salad ($2.25 with an entree), the Torch Prime rib with smashed potatoes and mixed vegetables ($24.95) and NY Cheesecake ($6.95).

"L" had a mixed House Salad ($2.25 with an entree), Mixed Grill with Spanish Rice ($17.95) and Strawberry Shortcake ($6.95).

I had a Caesar Salad ($2.25 with an entree), Tilapia Piccata with smashed potatoes and mixed vegetables ($19.95) and Fried Banana Cheesecake ($6.25).

Ovest Pizzoteca by Luzzo

is located in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood at 513 West 27th Street.

This cozy, warm space has a nice airy feel and you can see the wood burning pizza oven from both the bar and dining room.

"J" started with a Mista Insalate - mixed greens and cherry tomatoes in balsamic dressing ($8) and had a 12" Bufala Pizza Napoletana - with mozzerella, tomato sauce and basil ($17). It had a nice thin crust and pillows of mozzarella.

I had a Via Roma A Frusta - a long brick-oven baked loaf stuffed with eggplant parmigiana ($13) served on a long handled board. It was like a pizza burrito (pizza dough wrapped around eggplant). The crust was fluffy, the eggplant thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil and the entire thing combination was delicious.

For dessert we had a Pastiera Napoletana - Italian ricotta cheesecake (7). The only thing I didn't like was the floral flavoring and citron in the cheesecake.

But this is a great little spot if you are ever west of 10th Avenue.

Junior's

this Manhattan outpost of the Brooklyn institution is located in the heart of NYC's Theater District at 1515 Broadway.

It's a casual, inexpensive option for a pre-theater dinner.

"J" had the steakburger and fries ($12.50) and a diet coke ($2.95).

I had the pastrami sandwich ($11.75) and a chocolate egg cream ($3.25).

Then we shared a slice each of Raspberry Swirl cheesecake ($6.50) and Coconut Lemon Layer Cake ($6.50). Yummy!

The food is good, dependable and generous portions.

Hot Plates Live - Post 9

Spot - soft cheesecake with passion fruit and huckleberry

This was very airy and light and the passion fruit and huckleberry added a little tartness.

Sojourn

Sojourn is located at 244 East 79th Street.

"J" and "R" discovered this NYC Upper East Side restaurant and introduced it to me as their new favorite restaurant. And after just one meal I can understand why.

It's a combination wine bar and bistro. The interior is warm and cozy with decoupage nudes on the walls.

We had the Chef's tasting menu 6 courses for $60 and it was well worth it.

Courses 1 & 2, 4 & 5 are served side by side:

- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with brussel sprout leaves, thinly sliced pears, toasted walnuts, goat cheese and champagne vinagrette

(I've never had brussel sprout leaves and these were tender like baby lettuce)

- Curried Butternut Squash Soup with toasted pumpkin seeds, creme fraiche and chives

(a little hint of curry balanced out the sweetness of the butternut)

- Scallop and Salmon carpaccio with jicama salad
(paper thin slices of scallop and salmon with a light soy dressing)

- Ricotta & Swiss Chard Ravioli with parmigiano and truffle butter

(deliciously buttery ravioli)

- Black Pasta - homemade linguini with lobster arrabiatta

(tender chunks of sweet lobster)

- Grilled Lamb Chops with lemon & oregano potatoes and herb vinagrette

(I love lamb chops so this was a nice "meat" course to the 3 seafood dishes; served medium rare)

And then they gave us dessert! Ricotta cheesecake with graham cracker crust and blueberry compote (denser than other ricotta cheesecake with plump blueberries).

Everything was delicious and we were quite full afterwards. The other patrons seem quite happy with their meals.

This restuarant is definitely worth a return visit.

Brooklyn Diner USA

...is not located in Brooklyn. There are two in Manhattan - one in Times Square and the original location at 212 West 57th Street. And this is an upscale diner with prices higher than you would expect from the silver streamer railroad car exterior. But the food is good and consistent.

During this visit I had a Cheeseburger Deluxe ($17) which is a cheeseburger with smokehouse bacon, fries and fried frizzled onion rings and a soda ($3.95). It was such a good portion that I didn't have room for dessert such as the house specialities: The Strawberry Blonde Cheesecake or Hot Chocolate Fudge Sundae. During previous visits I had tried both and they are also very good.

NY Cheesecake

D'Aiuto Bakery has been in business since 1929. Located at 405 Ninth Avenue behind NYC's Madison Square Garden and Penn Station. This bakery looks like it has been suspended in time. They are famous for their Baby Watson cheesecake, but their traditional NY sliced cheesecake is even better.