New Food Finds

Recently I had the pleasure of roaming the city with a few food-loving colleagues. There is something to be said for a sit-down lunch during the endless days of television production. So, on those days when the cameras aren't rolling, it is a delight to take some time and actually sit down to a meal. This may seem like a given, sitting, but when you're used to eating standing up, or sitting on a dirty floor, perhaps in a van or even squatting down next to a curb somewhere, sitting in an actual chair in a restaurant can make you feel like a human being again.

VESELKA

144 2nd Ave, New York, NY

veselka.com

An East Village classic, Veselka has been holding court on the corner of 9th and 2nd Ave for over 50 years. They are open all the time, they deliver, and they serve what they term "Ukranian Soul Food". Their menu consists of classic Ukranian dishes such as borscht, pierogi, bigos and goulash. I had the Lentil Salad that was honestly one of the best I've had; warm letils, tangy feta, and crispy vegetables. One day I'm going for the pierogis, I swear. The ultimate comfort food.

MUD

307 E 9th St, New York, NY

themudtruck.com

Another little East Village gem, MUD serves the best coffee. Seriously. They also have The Mud Truck which roams around the city but can most times be found at Astor Place and Sheridan Square. Its big. Its orange. It smells divine. If you follow Mud on twitter you will always know where to find them: http://twitter.com/mudpeople

DINER Restaurant

85 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY

dinernyc.com

Diner Restaurant sits on a quiet block just a few steps away from the Williamsburg Bridge. The menu is filled withe seasonal, simple ingredients, and hearty stews. I had a delicious kale soup filled with shaved Parmesean and a warm baguette on the side. A perfect little lunch.

BECO

45 Richardson St, Brooklyn, NY

becobar.com

This is a terrific Brasilian restaurant and bar in Williamsburg. Everything on their menu looks delicious. And the smells wafting out from the tiny open kitchen are seriously intoxicating. No kidding. They make this amazing dish of sauteed collard greens with garlic (couve) that is so simple yet so good. And because its a Brasilian joint of course there are some amazing steak dishes. My friend had a filet minion sandwich that nearly made me drool just looking at it. But, as I am not much of a meat eater these days, I opted for the Cuscuz c/capers e salmao defumado: couscous in mild curry with bell pepper, carrots, raisins, capers & smoked salmon. Ridiculously good. Obrigado, Beco!