Istanbul Grill

This casual Turkish restaurant is located in NYC's Rego Park section of Queens at 95-36 Queens Blvd.

I went with a large group and 50% of us ordered the Lamb Shish Kebab ($14.95) which was served with rice pilaf, fresh onion, roasted green peppers and tomatoes. Beforehand our table was given a basket of fresh turkish bread which was dense, topped with coarse salt and tasted like a cross between pita and foccaccia. The baklava ($3.50) was delicious and dripping with honey.

I didn't try them, but the hummus and babaganoush both looked very good.

Tisserie

is a small cafe located in the DKNY store in NYC's SoHo at 98 Thompson Street. They offer wraps, paninis, baked goods and hot beverages.

I had an almond croissant ($3.25) that was bigger than my hand and mini hot chocolate ($1) that was served in something akin to a Dixie cup. The croissant was fresh and dusted with powdered sugar. And the hot chocolate was just enough to satisfy my chocolate craving without being too rich or heavy.

Kyochon

There is a wave of new Korean fried chicken places opening all around NYC's Midtown area near Koreatown. The latest is Kyochon (part of a chain) at 319 Fifth Avenue.

I tried the Signature Wings with soy garlic sauce (5 for $5.99) and soda ($2.10).

The wings were on the small side and not too meaty, but they were crisp and flavorful.

Mr. Potato Skin

I returned to NYC's Midtown lunch hot spot, Cer Te, on 55th Street because it is offering this April lunch special: “Mr. Potato Skin”: Chicken cutlet with bbq sauce sandwiched between two baked sea salt and vinegar potato skins stuffed with aged cheddar and apple wood smoked bacon. Served with sour cream and chives on the side (naturally). All this for $8.95.

Swarovski

has a boutique and cafe in NYC's SoHo at 70 Mercer Street. I stopped by for brunch.

I had the SoHo Club sandwich which was grilled chicken breast, mixed green salad, tomato and mayonaise on multi grain toasted bread and served with a mixed greens and heirloom tomato salad ($10.95) and a ginger ale ($3.25).

The sandwich was a traditional triple decker and salad had a nice vinagrette dressing.

I like how there were Swarovski crystal fixtures in the bathroom.

Almond Macaroon

The Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ is known as a place to buy salt water taffy. I am not a fan of taffy, but was happy to see that they offer coconut macaroons and almond macaroons. These almond macaroons are the poor NJ cousin to French macaroons, but they were light and airy and only $0.99 each.

Sea Blue by Michael Mina

I have been to Michael Mina's restaurant in Las Vegas and enjoyed his exceptional cuisine.

When I went to Atlantic City, NJ this weekend I was anxious to try his restaurant located in the Borgata Casino.

I ordered a glass of Prosecco ($10) - very bubbly.

For appetizer I had the fried lobster corn dogs with whole grain mustard ($16) and was surprised they servied five! I expected two. The lobster was not chunks, but more like a lobster compilation. And the batter was a little too sweet.

They served warm home made naan bread with hummus.

For entree I had the Ahi Tuna "Rossini" with Hudson Valley foie gras, potato pancake and pinot reduction ($43). Although two generous portions of tuna were served they did not have much flavor. The foie was very good - tender and melted away.

I was disappointed with the dessert menu. They did not offer anything interesting or compelling so I skipped dessert.