Ovest

...is located in NYC's Chelsea at 513 W. 27th Street between 10th and 11th Avenues.

I returned with "A" this time.

"A" and I both had a glass of prosecco ($8) and shared Polpettine for appetizer - meatballs in tomato sauce ($10) for an appetizer. They were okay, but nothing special.

Then we had a Capricciosa pizza - tomato sauce, mushrooms, prosciutto cotto, olives, artichokes, basil ($19). The pizza was thin crust and very good.

And for dessert - pizza dough with nutella and sugar ($9). This was like a flat donut - very yummy.

And the best part - the cute bartender who served us.

Basta Pasta

...is located in NYC's Flatiron District at 37 West 17th Street and is Japanese Italian (most of the staff is Japanese). We were traditionalists and didn't order anything with "Japanese" influence (example: pasta with uni).

"A", "T" and I shared an appetizer of Asparagi Gratinati al dente asparagus with golden parmesan crust ($12).

"A" had the Spaghetti Con Prosciutto E Parmigiano spaghetti with parmigiano reggiano & parma prosciutto, served in a half wheel of parmesan cheese at the table ($16) - it was fascinating. The waitress carted over a half of a giant parmigiano reggiano cheese and tossed the hot pasta inside. And she had vanilla gelato for dessert ($7).

"T" had Farfalle Con Salmone E Crema bow-tie pasta with lightly smoked salmon, cauliflower & tomatoes in tarragon grain mustard cream sauce ($15).

I had the Fettuccine Alla Bolognese homemade fettuccine with basta pasta original meat sauce ($16) and Tiramisu ($8) for dessert.

The Standard Grill

is the casual restuarant in the Standard Hotel in NYC's Meatpacking District at 848 Washington Street.

"A" had the eggwhite omelet with home fries ($9) and I had the 2 poached eggs with sourdough toast ($8). We both had lemonade ($4 each) which was extremely tart.

And for dessert we shared the Baked Alaska ($8) with raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream - the best part of the meal!

Cocoa V Chocolat Boutique and Wine Bar

"A" and I happened upon this darling store and restaurant in NYC's Chelsea at 174 Ninth Avenue and were drawn in by the beautiful chocolates and cupcakes.

Little did we know that everything was 100% vegan. We ordered a brownie sundae ($9) and chocolate peanut butter tart ($7). I also ordered an iced cappucino ($4.25). One bite and I knew there was something amiss. Even though they looked beautiful and appetizing they tasted vegan.

But we are still willing to return to try the chocolates.

El Quinto Pino

is a darling little Spanish Tapas wine bar in NYC's Chelsea at 401 West 24th Street.

"A" had a glass of Sangria ($8) and I had a Pomada - a frozen basil vodka drink ($10).

We shared the Patatas Bravas - fried potatoes ($6), Gambas al Ajillo - shrimp in a buttery garlic sauce ($9), two orders of Pinchos Morunos - lamb skewers on bread ($8 each) and Tomaca - tomato bruschetta ($5). We were also given a small plate of additional bread which we used to soak up the sauce from the shrimp and potato dishes.

The food was delicious and flavorful.

Cabrito

...means "small goat" and is located in NYC's Greenwich Village at 50 Carmine Street. And yes, their speciality is goat.

"M" and I started with the House-made Guacamole and chips ($8) - the guac had a little spicy kick and the chips were a bit too thick.

"M" had the Cabrito - Sour orange, garlic and chili rubbed goat slow roasted and served chopped with salsa borracha & warm flour tortillas ($26). The goat was tender and not gamey.

I had the Carnitas - Chopped pork served with salsa verde & warm corn tortillas ($23) and we ordered a side of Rice & Black Beans ($6). The pork was crispy on the surface and the rice was fluffy and light.

We both had the house Margarita ($10 each). And for dessert we shared the Churros y Chocolate ($8) - the churros was light and airy.

The restaurant is small, but is very noisy especially during happy hour.

Georgia Diner

is a 24 hour diner in NYC's borough of Queens in Elmhurst at 86-55 Queens Blvd. The food is always consistent and reliable.

I had a Belgian Waffle with bacon and orange juice ($5.95) , hot chocolate ($1.95). Although during this visit my bacon was overcooked.