New York

Any time I start going to the same restaurant more than once every month, I know that it's been put in my personal pantheon of New York restaurants that don't suck. Such is the case with Nelson Blue on Peck Slip. Even though it's a block away from the teeming crowds of South Street Seaport, and is filled with Wall Street douchebags many early weekday evenings, Nelson Blue's excellent New Zealand cuisine (yes! There is one!) transcends all of that--not an easy task. Their lamb "lollipop chops" are brilliant; they serve one of the best crab cakes in NYC; the curry mussels are perfect. Added bonuses: outside seating, communal tables inside, good beer selection, close to NFT headquarters. Anyone want to meet me there for a lunch meeting? Perfect.

Photo:  Rob Tallia