The Palace Diner

194 Washington St, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601, 845-473-1576, www.thepalacediner.com

We don't normally drive two hours north from Manhattan to Poughkeepsie for diner food but, since we were there...

Cortina

1448 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, 212-517-2066, www.ristorantecortina.com

We'll confess, we had our first date at Cortina and have been back a few times including to celebrate anniversaries.

The food is good, serviceable Northern Italian served in a very pretty setting. When the weather is nice, try to get the round table by the open windows. It gives you the breeze and feeling of sitting in the outdoor cafe while keeping the 2nd Avenue noise down. But our romantic haze notwithstanding, the service here leaves something to be desired and the owner needs a management class. There only ever seems to be one waitress and although she does well early in the evening, as the place fills it becomes impossible to get her attention. The owner is effusively friendly as long as you're sitting down to a meal. If you're only starting with drinks or perhaps some coffee and cake however, he can be downright rude and doesn't realize that you could enjoy yourself and be back tomorrow for dinner.

Lombardi's on the Bay

600 Ocean Ave, Patchogue, NY 11772, 631-654-8970, www.lombardisonthebay.com

Brian and I usually agree on our reviews but Lombardi's has us a bit stumped. We've been there twice and have not been able to reconcile our opinions so we're agreeing to disagree.

Louis XVI Restaurant

600 Ocean Avenue, Patchogue, NY 11772, 631-654-8970

We LOVE it here. We're in the area during the summers and this place is beautifully situated on the Great South Bay. The dining room is elegant and comfortable with plenty of room between tables so you can focus on your food and your companion. Service is friendly and relaxed. You won't be rushed out here! The food is classic and delicious French with unusually generous portions. In between courses, the wonderful chef sends out several rounds of amuse bouche, the most heavenly tasting little "offerings."  And just when you think you can't eat another bite...the signature chocolate dessert is a religious experience and must not be skipped! Save up your money and bring your appetite. You won't be disappointed!

Le Boeuf A La Mode

539 East 81st Street, New York, NY 10028, 212-249-1473, www.leboeufalamode.net

We frequently pass this restaurant on our way to the upper east side river promenade. Although it's closed during the day when we walk by, it’s unusual, out-of-the-way location piqued our interest so we returned at dinner time.

Beyoglu

1431 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10028, 212-650-0850

This Turkish/ Mediterranean offers meze's (small dishes) in a beautiful, colorful setting. The inlaid Mosaic-topped tables are pretty but small and, since the whole menu concept involves sharing, dining can be a little cramped. But the taste largely makes up for it.

American Bounty Restaurant at the CIA

Asparagus Salad

The menu at the American Bounty is seasonal with a lot of emphasis on presentation. A classic beet & goat cheese salad got an updated look but retained the great classic taste and a gnocchi appetizer was perfectly flavored. An entree of fillet of beef served with purple potato salad and fried plantains was tender and delicious. Unfortunately, we did find the plantains to be a little overdone and tough. A BBQ short rib that melted in the mouth was served over a tasty spiced coleslaw and fabulous yucca fritters.

The Culinary Institute of America - Hyde Park, NY

Dining at any of the restaurants at the Culinary Institute of America is much more than just a meal.

Dallas BBQ

1265 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10021, 212-772-9393, www.dallasbbq.com

Prices are low and portions are large at this noisy, crowded BBQ spot. On a warm Saturday evening, the gigantic dining room was packed at an early hour and long lines were forming. Fortunately for us, most people come with larger groups so a small table for two was quickly available.

Bistro Le Steak

1309 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10021, 212-517-3800, www.bistrolesteak.com

Space is tight at this busy upper east-sider, especially on a warm Saturday evening in Spring. But a reservation will get you a nice table by the open window of the enclosed sidewalk cafe.

Barking Dog Luncheonette

1453 York Avenue, New York, NY 10075, 212-861-3600

When we're in the mood for a great (and we do mean great) burger and all the fixings, the Barking Dog is where we go. Easily the best burger, served on toasted rosemary Focaccia bread and accompanied by a heavenly slaw. Choosing between the spicy curly fries and the beer-battered onion rings is too painful so we get an order of each and share.

Due Restaurant

1396 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10075, 212-772-3331, www.duenyc.com

This lovely northern Italian does everything right. A nice room, excellent service (even when they’re busy), a good wine selection by the glass (including an excellent shiraz) and an extensive menu with lots of specials. All the expected Italian favorites can be found alongside some more interesting fare. Both the beef carpaccio salad with plenty of shaved parmeseano reggiano and the eggplant croquette salad with a generous amount of fresh goat cheese were great starts to the meal. The veal piccata, veal Milanese and the verdi gnocchi with asparagus were all perfectly made.

Brasserie Julien

1422 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10075, 212-744-6327, www.brasseriejulien.com

Brasserie Julien in pretty, romantic and not too stuffy. Service is friendly but they get a little overwhelmed later in the evening as the place gets more crowded. The back is roomier and the live music won't be so loud. Appetizer specials were interesting and delicious. Unfortunately, we had to send both entrees back - one was way to raw and the other inedibly chewy. Both were fixed/replaced with no attitude but it was still aggravating. Dessert was the chocolate offering but it was a complete disappointment - tiny and average tasting. Overall, the place is too pricey for what you get and there are too many other choices to back to this one.

Louis XVI Closed...We're Devastated

We're by the Great South Bay in summers and Louis was our find. Our hands-down-favorite restaurant. Pricey but so worth it. We plan all winter for a meal here and now they're closed.

A part of us isn't really surprised. Patchogue is an old fishing village and not the sort of place you'd normally find a restaurant like this. Too far from Manhattan, not quite close enough to the Hamptons. It added to the feeling that this was our special place but obviously didn't do the owners any good.

The chef, Jean-Claude Teulade, came from a four star place in the city and we're hoping to track down his next location. Wherever he's cooking, we'll be heading but we haven't been able to find him yet. Anyone know if he's landed?

Firenze

1594 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10028, 212-861-9368, www.firenzeristorantenyc.com

A stroll up 2nd Avenue in Yorkville on a warm Saturday evening, past rows of noisy bar/restaurants with sidewalk seating and young crowds reveling, brings you to the far more subdued Firenze. The well dressed owner stands outside and quickly spots the slightest interest. He corrals you into the restaurant, guaranteeing you will enjoy your meal. You're walked past the civilized bar area with a sophisticated piano player and are handed over to a smiling waiter to be seated. Romantic tables decorated with subtle floral tablecloths, painted chargers, tall candlesticks and mini flower pots are more reminiscent of a French brasserie but the food is 100% Italian.

Wicked Wolf

1442 First Avenue, New York, NY 10021, 212-861-4670

We ducked in here on a freezing night without expecting too much. But this place is full of surprises. It was packed while many neighboring restaurants are empty and the food is a terrific value. The menu is a bit limited and somewhat boring. But what appealed on this cold night was the prime rib dinner. We ordered it, again, not expecting too much considering the low price. But what arrived was as good as a pricey steak house. The restaurant is noisy and the ambiance is far from romantic although we saw many couples who appeared to be on a date. Worst of all, the service from our overly-busy waitress was slow and sometimes scattered. But in the end, we got a hot delicious and satisfying dinner including a great new wine discovery for what we'd expect to pay at our local diner. No complaints about a great value!

Green Kitchen Restaurant

1477 First Avenue, New York, NY 10075, 212-988-4163, www.greenkitchennyc.com

This is a cut above a diner. We wandered in one evening when we were too tired to cook and were pleasantly surprised. Both the service and food were a notch above typical diner offerings. Entrees are extremely generous and tasty, rival some of those at "nicer" restaurants and come with large salads and a bread basket. We went back the following week and were treated like regulars, with the waiter bringing us complimentary appetizers while we perused the menu. The dessert offerings are surprisingly poor for a diner but there are plenty of bakeries nearby to pick up something on the way home. Overall, this place offers a pleasant, tasty meal and a great value.

Brio Restaurant - New York, NY

137 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10021, 212-980-2300, www.brionyc.com

Located slightly off the avenue, Brio offers a little side-street peace in the middle of a busy shopping area and their outdoor tables are appealing without the avenue noise and traffic. Once inside, though, the room is drab, undecorated and in need of some paint and sprucing up. Cain chair that look beautiful are uncomfortable and we found it odd that they don't open for Sunday brunch until Noon. Worst of all, though, is the slow and indifferent service, with waiters more interested in talking to each other than addressing their customers.

Babette's

63 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-329-5377, www.babetteseasthampton.com

While on vacation in the area during Christmas week, we decided to take an evening stroll. But when the thunderstorm began, we quickly ran into Babettes. The dining room was virtually empty, not a good sign, but it was warm and dry and we were about ready for a glass of wine and some hot food.

The Golden Pear Cafe

111 Main Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11693, 631-725-2270, www.goldenpearcafe.com

We'd noticed this mini-chain of cafes in several locations around the Hamptons but finally stopped in one afternoon in Sag Harbor. We were in need of some coffee and maybe a muffin and both were quite delicious. It was after lunch so the bulk of the rush was gone and we relaxed at a table. Refills were advertised as only $1 each but when we went up to pay, the manager waved away the money. It had started drizzling outside and we happily stayed, sipping hot beverages, nibbling on our muffins and enjoying our vacation.

Christmas in East Hampton

The Old Hook Mill just off Main Street

The 1770 House Restaurant

143 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-324-1770, www.1770house.com

We dined here while staying upstairs at the inn during Christmas week but this restaurant attracts many non-guests as well. A beautiful dining room decorated down to the smallest detail, a large romantic fireplace and wonderfully comfortable chairs all add to the experience. But ultimately, it is the food you will remember.

The 1770 House

143 Main Street, East Hampton, NY 11937, 631-324-1770, www.1770house.com

We knew we wanted to spend a romantic Christmas week in East Hampton and we chose this inn based on their lovely web site.

King's Carriage House

251 East 82nd St., NY, NY 10028, 212-734-5490, www.kingscarriagehouse.com

This restaurant is somewhat nondescript from the street and you're hard pressed to find the sign bearing it's name. Upon entering the first impression is that it's cramped and slightly 'rabbit-warren-ey.' But we were shown to the first floor back room dining area that was quite comfortable and romantic.

Maruzzella Ristorante

1483 First Avenue, New York, NY 10075, 212-988-8877, www.maruzzellanyc.com

This mid-priced Italian offers decent food in a newly renovated, romantic dining room. Appetizer specials like asparagus or white bean salad can be excellent, pasta dishes are usually reliable and the veal Milanese is generous and tasty. The service is attentive and they let you linger and enjoy the atmosphere over a glass of wine while you look at the menu or sip coffee after your meal. The food might not be memorable once you leave but you will have enjoyed the experience while you're there.

Quatorze Bis

323 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075, 212-535-1414

Quatorze Bis always seems to be bustling with an older, respectable looking crowd who seem to be enjoying themselves. Delicious classic French food from the creamy potato and leak soup (oh, so rich!) to the proverbial steak au poivre with frites. This is a great place for brunch, too, as the chef really knows how to make an omelet and also lovely for a drink by the bar even if you're not eating. It has the feel of someplace that would offer a great souffle or decadent chocolate cake for dessert and we were disappointed to find it didn't. But otherwise, it's a little touch of expensive civility in the city.