Ai Fiori

Ai Fiori is located in the new Setai Hotel located at 400 Fifth Avenue. This elegant restaurant is know for it's Italian fare. But I stopped by for a quick lunch at the bar. I started with a glass of Riesling ($13) and an order of Crocchette - liquid foie gras cubes ($14) which were 6 delicately fried and oozed liquid foie gras.

Then I had a Mini White Label burger ($8) which was a great way not to overindulge in a full size burger. It was a mini La Frieda prime burger served with Neuske's slab bacon, black tomator and American cheese and was served medium rare. For such a small burger is was quite juicy!

Social Eatz

"J" and I tried out Top Chef contestant, Angelo Sosa's, new restaurant, Social Eatz located in NYC's Midtown at 232 East 52nd Street.

We started with an order of Crispy Spring Rolls ($7) - chunks of shrimp with ground chicken, diced jicama, shredded cabbage, mushrooms, scallions and cilantro with duck sauce. They were very good.

"J" had the Social Burger ($9) with cheese, shredded lettuce and Longevity sauce (which was like ketchup and mayo).

I had the Bibimbap Burger ($12) with a slow cooked egg, lettuce, pickle carrot and cucumber. It was very juicy. Both burgers were served with expertly made french fries.

For dessert we tried the Yuzu Cream Puffs ($6) - fried dough filled with yuzu curd - delish!

The Little Owl

...is a cozy little restuarant in NYC's West Village located at 90 Bedford Street.

I had the Bacon Cheeseburger with Gus' pickle and special fries ($16). The burger was very juicy and the fries spicy!

Elsewhere

"M" and I went to Elsewhere in NYC's Theatre District at 403 W. 43rd Street for a last minute dinner because they had a Tasting Table special offer - two for one burgers (regularly $14 each).

We started with cocktails and shared a flavored popcorn - bacon butter ($5). It was deliciously buttery with a nice hint of bacon.

Then our Elsewhere burgers were served with caramelized onions, Five Spoke Tumbelweed cheese and a large bowl of crisp, thick cut french fries - wonderful!

We ended dinner with a sweet potato cake with caramel ice cream ($8).

Tri Tip Grill

...is located in NYC's Rockefeller Center.

I stopped by for a quick lunch and ordered a Buckhorn burger ($6.99) with special sauce, tomato, lettuce and red onions and a soda ($2.99).

The burger was nicely cooked.

The Breslin

Bar & Dining Room is located in the very unglamorous lower Midtown

of NYC at 16 West 29th Street.

I had their grilled lamb burger ($17) with feta cheese, cumin mayo and thrice fried potatoes. I was in the majority as this was one of the most popular lunch dishes. It was very juicy and the bun was delicious. The potatoes were hot and crispy. Very good and worth repeating.

Joy Burger Bar

...is another burger restaurant that just opened in NYC's Greenwich Village at 361 Sixth Avenue.

When you order you select the burger size (I ordered a midi 5 oz for $4.75), cheese (American) free toppings (lettuce, tomato and bbq sauce) and/or extra toppings (none). You also specify how you would like your burger cooked.

I also ordered a side of batatas (sweet potato chips served with maply syrup) for $3.25 and a bottle of black cherry soda ($2.25).

The burger was good and very juicy, but the batatas were soggy.

Joy Burger Bar also offers non-burger sandwiches, wraps and salads.