New York

If you should take the A train, get off at 190th Street, take an elevator up to the top of Fort Tryon Park, stroll through perfectly tended and sculptured gardens and head towards the Cloisters, you'll pass what looks like a humble cabin hidden in a forest of tall trees. This is the New Leaf Cafe, which serves fresh, organic food in an elegant and almost rural setting. Sitting on the outdoor patio and looking out over trees and flowers, one could easily forget that one is dining in Uptown Manhattan. Founded by Bette Midler as part of her New York Restoration Project, the New Leaf Cafe is one of the few Michelin rated restaurants in Inwood. Brunch is especially popular at New Leaf, and at $18.95 prix-fixe, it is the most cost-effective way to enjoy the otherwise somewhat expensive restaurant. A la carte dinner entrees cost between $22 and $32 dollars. Unless the weather is unbearable, every effort should be made to eat outside. Surrounded by the park and right next to the Cloisters, the patio may well be the most romantic places north of 96th Street.

Photo:  Jena Tesse Fox