New York City: SoHo
Some of the city's trendiest - and most celebrated - restaurants can be found in SoHo , covering a wide array of cuisines. And while they tend toward the expensive, the people-watching can be good fun.ASIAN
Blue Ribbon Sushi
119 Sullivan St (between Prince and Spring sts) tel 212/343-0404.
Widely considered one of the best sushi restaurants in New York, the lines for a table can be long and it doesn't allow reservations. Our advice: have some cold sake and relax - the kitchen is open until 2am.
Rice
227 Mott St (between Prince and Spring sts) tel 212/226-5775.
Small, inexpensive pan-Asian spot, where you mix-and-match various rices (black, sticky, etc) with interesting meat choices (lemongrass chicken, beef salad and the like).
FRENCH AND BELGIAN
Alison on Dominick
38 Dominick St (between Hudson and Varick sts) tel 212/727-1188.
About as tucked away and romantic as you can get in the middle of a huge city, with great Southwestern French food that is served with a creative, light touch. Very expensive, but worth it for a special occasion with the one you love.
Balthazar
80 Spring St (between Crosby St and Broadway) tel 212/965-1414.
The tastefully ornate Parisian decor and nonstop beautiful people keep your eyes busy until the food arrives; then all you can do is savor the fresh oysters and mussels, the exquisite pastries and everything in between. Worth the money and attitude.
L'Ecole
462 Broadway (at Grand St) tel 212/219-3300.
Students of the French Culinary Institute serve up affordable French delights - and they rarely fail. The three-course prix-fixe dinner costs $29.95 per person; book in advance. Closed Sun.
Raoul's
180 Prince St (between Sullivan and Thompson sts) tel 212/966-3518.
French bistro seemingly lifted from Paris. The food, especially the steak
au poivre
and crayfish risotto, plus service are wonderful - as you'd expect at the high prices you'll find here. Reservations recommended. Closed Aug.
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