Lavagna – A Great Italian in the East Village

Lavagna, 545 E 5th St, New York, NY 10009, (212) 979-1005

An outstanding and understated Italian culinary refuge. Phenomenal pasta cooked just right, outstanding pizza with wild mushrooms and truffle oil and a great wine list. Do not let the staff’s seemingly cold attitute fool you – service is steady,
the owner is always looking on and the you will come back again and again for the authentic food. (****) 

Metropolitan Hotel – London

Still a great hotel in a convinient location. Get a room with a park view. The top floor Penthouse suite is in a class by itself. The Metropolitan Bar adorned with murals by the British artist Jonathan Huxley is a real scene and a private club at night, but worth going to for a drink. As a guest of the hotel you will automatically be a member. Nobu at the Metropolitan is average and ok to skip. (****)