… the most adorable raspberry tart from Veniero’s, an Italian pastiacceria that’s been around since 1894… in the East Village in Manhattan. I needed a pick-me-up after some intensive retail therapy, wandering street fairs and cute boutiques, but also took a spin through Dean and Deluca, and Whole Foods… where the food just looks so beautiful.

Every time I come to NYC, I’m blown away from the sheer number of restaurants, packed with people. For every Mario Batali, celebrity chef, destination diner, there’s a bazillion little neighborhood haunts.

Last night, we had a great meal at Le Tableau, a sweet dining room and great prices. I’ll post pics later, the chicken roasted under a brick was so juicy, so perfectly seasoned. Loved the chilled tomato/fennel soup and had a swell bottle of Aligote from Washington state grapes… made by Jed Steele at Shooting Star.

Still not sure exactly what we’re eating tonight, but it’s going to start with a cocktail at 21… baby girl has been bugging us to go to that old speakeasy… since one of her favorite movies is “Sweet Smell of Success”…