When the New York Times recently put out an article on veggie burgers, I had to do a little cheer because they mentioned my favorite veggie burger in the city. It was a burger that I was too embarrassed to tell friends about—lest they judge me for two facts: I not only 1) love veggie burgers, but 2) my favorite comes from a nationwide chain. More

Escarole is one of my favorite types of greens to use at home when preparing a salad. And for this reason, I tend to keep a sharp eye out for escarole salads in restaurants to pick up ideas and inspirations. Two places in particular have versions so good that I return for them time after time. More

The veal is the focus of this dish, but I could eat bowls of the sweet and rounded housemade cipollini mayonnaise that comes with Prune's Veal Paillard ($15). More

Aburiya Kinnosuke's Omakase Sashimi Deluxe ($23), complete with dessert, is a lunch-only bargain; and though it's a pricey lunch, the quality of the sushi makes it worth going out of your way for. More

At Cocoron, the cozy bar seats are perfect for the single diner. Pick the ones along Delancey Street; the corner seat allows the best view of front row kitchen action. More

Warmer weather means outdoor eating, and one of my favorite places to grab a quick lunch to-go in Soho with guaranteed seating at benches right outside is Balthazar Bakery. Sink in your teeth into their into one of their two savory croissant sandwiches ($7.25 each). My heart lies with the fresh Asparagus and Mushroom, oozing Gruyere; but for something meatier, the Ham and Béchamel combination is just as good. More

Though many people tend to dismiss Nobu—saying it's all about the scene and no longer about the food—I have a long-standing relationship with this Squid Pasta Bowl ($20). More

The waitress described Galanga's Green Noodle ($10) dish with the words, "Asian pesto." And that comes fairly close to summing up this warm dish of sauteed wide, flat rice noodles. More

At Casa Mono, the Foie Gras ($19) is of a perfect portion for lunch. Dinner here is chaotic and so is brunch, but a late afternoon lunch is the best time for a relaxed meal. More

At Oms/b in Midtown, my go-to lunch is "Set A." $8.50 buys your choice of three rice balls from a rainbow of options tucked behind glass cases—plus the soup of the day or miso soup. More