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I recently threw a birthday party at vento in the meatpacking district. We sat on the 2nd floor and had a small area to ourselves. The food was good and the wine was perfect. Apps, pizzas, pastas, etc. It was extremely reasonably priced as well. We were then able to just walk across the street to continue our night out. Great location.

Look into Italian Wine Merchants also in Union Square. I hear they offer great classes.

I recently went to Isabella's on the UWS and had a really good veggie burger. Not sure if it still on the menu as it was a month or two ago, but I recommend it. You may also want to try Pump Energy Food. I hear they have good veggie burgers too.

i always have a good time at dos caminos. they have tableside guacamole, good tacos and really fun drinks. it is a good place to go with a group too. i like to go to the one down on houston and sit outside when it is nice out. zarela is also good.

The chef at Fiamma is doing cooking classes. I have not taken one, but I heard from a friend that it was a fun class and the food was delicious. Something a little different than ICE as you are in a true restaurant kitchen, which may be interesting to see the behind-the-scenes work.

in chelsea market there is also a hale and hearty soup, which has soups and salads. amy's bread is great for sandwiches and sarabeth's has some special-type sandwiches as well. there are tons of bakeries like ruthys and fat witch, both of which are amazing. old homestead steakhouse is nearby as is vento, an italian restaurant with outdoor seating. i like vento because it is good food and very reasonably priced.

Yet again celebrities receiving freebies that they can more than afford. Can't they tie in a charity or something? This just seems ridiculous for these ultra rich to get a free $3 burger.

wildwood bbq on 18th and park is brand new and super yummy. there is goodburger on 17th and broadway, which is a fast food type place but surprisingly very good. chop't the best tossed salad place in nyc is on 16th btwn broadway and 5th and there is always houstons, dos caminos, park avenue bistro and primehouse up on park at like 27th. you really cannot go wrong on park avenue south.