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if you are a fan of italian food I recommend al di la in brooklyn. it feels special, elegant, yet casual enough that you could almost justify eating there everyday. perbacco in the east village is along the same vein but a bit more casual. you cant make reservations at either one though. I think they are both great values, especially al di la.
Falai on the lower east side might mediate things as well, it is a "funky" neighborhood but the atmosphere and style is chic and modern. The food is wonderful, pricier than al di la and perbacco.

Check out Melissa Clark's raw kale salad recipe adapted from Franny's in Brooklyn.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/24/dining/241arex.html?_r=1&ref=dining&oref=slogin

I love playing around with this recipe, and adding different spices such as smoked salt and za'tar.

Very anemic, I am a big fan of kale, which is a good thing given that the averaged sized woman must eat 16 cups of kale to get her fill of iron for the day.

Seyo--you can also bring a pot of water to boil and dunk the seared peppers in with a tong for 10 seconds. The skin comes off very easily soon after pulling them out.

in bird with oysters and lots of liver

turkey stock

Taim, 22 Waverly, the best falafels in NY. The fries with aoili/safron dip is killer too. The young Israeli couple that own the place work all day & night with a great care for freshness & thus the steady flow of business. Only a few seats, but the flow is constant.

Great question! I actually third yemen cafe

Jaya Malaysian on Bayard St.

I LOVE Malatesta - used to live across the street and ate there all the time. Friendly, pretty spot and great food. Other suggestions:
- inoteca, Freeman's and Frankie's 17 Clinton St. Sputino in the Lower East Side
- Cafe Noir in Soho
- Bar Veloce, Counter (great vegetarian), and Supper in the East Village

Have fun!

Alta in the W.Village has a nice atmosphere and offers a wide array of tapas dishes, they also take reservations and are reasonably priced. Market Table in the W.Village is another good option offering reasonably priced seasonal fare in a very relaxing room. Lunetta in the Flatiron district is another good option, great Italian food, unpretentious and priced right.