***NEW***Pastis
***NEW***Fresson
***NEW***Canteen 
Balthazar   Lot 61    Moomba
Da Silvano    Jean Georges    Cipriani Soho    Odeon
Jerry's    Cafeteria    Indochine    Raoul's
Coup    Junno    Markt    Bond Street 
Dan-al   (MERCER) Kitchen
***NEW***
PASTIS
9 9th Ave.
(212) 929-4844
Debbie’s boy Keith has done it again! A new, faboo brasserie right in the bowels of the meat market! Gotta love the authentic décor, although the outside is a bit of an eyesore. The food is decent but the seating is a tad too democratic with no reservations accepted. But just saddle up to the bar, order a perfectly prepared Citrus Martini and watch the time flash by as you watch Daryl, the most gorgeous man ev-Ah work the floor (boys may drool over no-name-supermodel-in- the-making-hostess). Cheaper than Balthazar, hipper than Pravda and more chic than Odeon, it be worth the wait, baby!
***NEW***
FRESSON
421 W. 13th St.
(212) 645-7775
It’s all about the meat market, baby, so get your gorgeous ass on over ASAP to Fresson. Book for din din or just go for a cocktail and sit in the fabulous bar area: poured concrete floors and walls add an über-urban edge. The décor rocks and is absolutely gorgeous in an upscale Blade Runner sort of way. The food is not nearly as memorable as the scene, but nobody complained or got sick at my party! And as if this block wasn’t cool enough to be the local of Alexander McQueen’s super secret after show party last year (upstairs from Debbie’s loft, darlink!), now it is with the addition of Fresson.
***NEW***
CANTEEN
142 Mercer St.
(212) 674-3823
To where has the fashion scene flocked? They’ve headed south down under into SoHo’s new sub-level Canteen. Brought to you by cutie John McDonald (of Merc Bar), the décor is almost as flashy as the crowd. And if Canteen is any indication of colors to come, kids, start stocking up on orange! Debbie simply can’t get enough, darling. The American bistro fare is simple, yet delish…the Tuna Tar Tar aims to please….But please, dress the part, doll, as you are hanging with the fashion heavies...You don’t want to bump into Anna all grunged out, do you? Too bad that phat plug on the VH-1 Vogue Fashion Awards has made it such a bee-otch to book.
(MERCER) KITCHEN
99 PRINCE ST.
SOHO
212-966-5454
The "Cindy Crawford of the Kitchen", Kerry Simon, teams up with ultra-fab chef Jean-Geroges to create the last word in culinary chic. Debbie simply adores it all, from the sleek urbane design of Christian Liagra to the best raw bar in the city, to the deliciously prepared delectables such as the Tuna Wasabi Pizza to Wood Roasted Sea Bass. And the crowd? Well, if you like to dine alongside the likes of Ben Stiller, Richard Gere (sans Cindy) and fellow uber-chefs like Mario Batali (Molto Mario, Po, Babbo) then the scene should do. Opt for group dining in the rear room and watch the preparations of the fab dishes at the open kitchen stations. Or for a more intimate evening take one of the very private banquettes...if you can get in, that is. Book your table way in advance because (Mercer) Kitchen is the hottest meal ticket in town.
BALTHAZAR
I’m not going to give you the phone number or the address of this ultra-cool, ridiculously hip French Brasserie of a restaurant. Those who cannot figure it out on their own (hint: it’s not listed) deserve not to dine here. It is what the totally glammed out, excessive eighties must have been like (how would Debbie know, darling, being as youthful as she is?!). Here’s a list of diners on a recent night: Madonna, Demi and Bruce (before the split,after the split,together,separate, you name it), Martha Stewart, Carolina and Rinaldo Herrera, Sylvester Stallone with Charlie Rose, and me, of course!! Ha! They could serve dog poop and you’d still want to check it out, right? Well, the food happens to be excellent to boot! Try the melt in your mouth Salmon, but be sure to start with the raw bar…A three tiered, out of this world medley of various oysters, shrimp, and other seafood delicacies. Oh, okay, I’ll give you the address:
80 Spring St.
212-965-1414
Soho
LOT 61
550 W.21ST ST.
212-243-6555
This is to the newest chicest area of Manhattan known as deep West Chelsea (where every important gallerist has moved to) what The Odeon is to Tribeca. The instant classic that will endure! What do you expect when you take a former car park, add to it Zebra banquettes, throw in some rubber sofas (salvaged from a psychiatric hospital), and adorn it with site specific works by David Salle and Damien Hirst? And as if that wasn’t fabulous enough…toss in some top models, all of downtown’s important artists, and every fashionable person in town… Listen to some Nina Simone and pick at the tapas-like dishes while you model your latest designer gigs. Warning: Wear no imitations…You’ll surely feel like a loser and a fool. Great for lunching in between gallery jaunts. Always good for dinner, but the bill can add up so watch it. Don’t go Sunday, it’s closed. And Thursday nights seem to host private parties, so phone ahead.
MOOMBA
113 7th Avenue South
(@ Christopher)
212-989-1414
Still a place of the moment for the ever-finicky fashion set. Watch Kate Moss push her food around her plate, watch Madonna scarf hers down (specially prepared meals, no less!). Soak it all in from your lousy table in the corner which you were made to feel extremely lucky to get (and you were!), ‘cause if you ain’t a supermodel, or a superstar, you ain’t nobody at Moomba. I love this place. It’s so eighties in the attitude (after all, Moomba does mean "Let’s get together and have fun" in Aborigine!). The food’s fair, but who cares! They serve up that Pacific Rim stuff that always seems to have lemongrass in it. But I was surprised by how yummy the "Amish" roasted chicken was. Don’t even bother trying to book unless we’re talking months in advance, but how dorky is that? Just go in with someone gorgeous and work the maitre d’.
DA SILVANO
260 6th Ave
212-982-2343
GREENWICH VILLAGE
The ultimate in upscale Italian. Forget Coco Pazzo…That’s for the uptown shmucks. Head in to Da Silvano, sit at a farm table (or on the sidewalk café during summer months), enjoy your favorite dish…They’re all superb…and finally see what Anna Wintour looks like up close (wirey). Or Diane Von Furstenberg (glamorous)…Or Larry Gagosian (ew!)…Marc Jacobs (tiny!). Quite pricey but worth it in every way!
JEAN GEORGES
1 CENTRAL PARK SOUTH
(212)299-3900
The foodie restaurant of the decade. As if Jean-George didn’t have enough success with Jojo’s and Vong (with not only NY, but international locations) this joint got four stars from the New York Times. Despite its location in the tacky Trump Tower ("The Most Important Address In The World" it proclaims on the exterior – Give me a break!) the restaurant in two rooms is unbelievablY tasteful. O.K.! Reminiscent of an Armani store, teetering on the too tasteful side. But this is definitely the place to have a four hour dinner and eat the most amazing food in creation. It is undoubtedly Where The Elite Meet To Eat. Except the time I went with David Lee Roth.
CIPRIANI SOHO
376 West Broadway
212-343-0999
SOHO
Definitely the place to see and be seen for the rich Euro set. Cipriani uptown is an institution and this newly opened downtown version is headed for the same status. The crowd is gorgeous and sophisticated. This is the type that dresses for mid-afternoon cocktails. The waiters are as rude as in Venice (that’s a good thing), and the drinks come on little bread plates (very Venice). Food is great, too, but it’s more of a high end cocktail lounge to me. Bring some serious cash. In case of uptown dining emergency call 212-753-5566
ODEON
145 West Broadway
(@ Thomas Street)
212-233-0507
A New York Classic since 1988. And a decade is a century when you’re talkin' restaurant life span in this city. There are always models (okay, they may not be supermodels, but they look good), the people who photograph them (Mark Selinger, Mathew Rolston), editors-at-large (Ingrid Schissy…from Interview, don’t tell me you didn’t know that!), and all other sophisticated types. The food has always been good, despite going through many a chef overhaul. One left to open up Independence down the road…traitor! Ex-wife of Keith McNally (of Balthazar) owns the place. It’s one of many of her fab spots. We love Lynn. Kids, glamour, and genuinely sweet….Actually, we hate her!! Just kidding, Lynn.
JERRY’S
101 Prince St.
212-966-9464
SOHO
A SoHo institution. Jerry Joseph opened up this groovey neo-diner-esque joint years and years ago when there were actual artists living in SoHo! And it is still the place to be. This place slams at Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Whenever! The food is great, too. Pasta specials are always delish, as is everything else. Jerry not only knows his food and his wine, but his tequila as well. Ask for the high-ends in stock. If you’re lucky you may be able to catch Jerry and his unbelievably gorgeous (and totally sweet) wife Marianna. They may even have their little boy in tow!
CAFETERIA
119 7th AVE
212-414-1717
CHELSEA
Believe it or not, fashion victims do eat, and they do it in droves at designer Victor Alfaro and Real Estator/Restaurantuer Mark Thomas’ (a.k.a. Mark Amedei) very fashionable hole in Chelsea. Mark’s a doll and the host with the most. The food is for real! We’re not talking watercress and endive push-around-your-plate food. Meat loaf, burgers, mac and cheese go down any time of day at this 24 hour dining hall. The tuna tar tar is similar to Circa (his other restaurant) which is a good thing, ‘cause it kicks ass. Check out the 60’sish styled lounge downstairs with the fab egg stools. I, yes Debbie herself, had my birthday there not too long ago…Had a brilliant time. A dinner for about fifteen was accommodated with the greatest of ease. (If you think I’m giving up my age, you can just keep dreaming!)
INDOCHINE
430 LAFAYETTE ST., EAST VILLAGE
212-505-5111
Despite having opened what seems like decades ago, this French/Vietnamese restaurant is still one of the hippest in town, even if they have opened a branch in LA. And this is reflected in trying to get a reservation. Located across the street from New York’s Public Theatre (and unfortunately, next door to the overrated, tourist-laden Blue Man Group venue), artsy-fartsy types come here to sample the fabulous seafood and mushroom dumplings while sipping seemingly sophisticated cocktails. Watch Carmen D’Allessio of Studio 54 fame still working the room, flashing her famed pantiless crotch at you. Gotta love Carmen. Gotta love Indochine…despite the silly palm leaf wall paper. The fact that Uptowners feel safe here can make downtowners skittish. Afterward head down the block to Pravda for a nightcap or two.
RAOUL’S
180 PRINCE ST., SOHO
212-966-3518
Another SoHo classic, this understated French Bistro has the old world charm of a restaurant of yesteryear. Slide up to the dark, wooden bar and order up your poison from Jimmy, the best bartender in town. Head to your table, take a peak at the mini chalkboard that will be your menu, but be sure to order the artichoke. Best I’ve ever had. Note: Gentlemen, position yourselves on the left side of bar for a peek-a-boo view up the spiral staircase. Sit back and watch the ladies in short skirts self-consciously ascend to the loo.
COUP
509 East 6th St. (1st and A)
(212)979-2815
Who knew you could find a little slice of L.A. right in the heart of the east village? This bi-level eatery offers slick, clean design (brought to you by Parsons Fernandez Casteliero) and views of a tranquil rock garden patio. Enter into this design oasis through its windowless fiberglass storefront and beeline right to the black rubber bar where you can cocktail with the Lenny Kravitz-esque looking crowd. But style does not reign over substance at Coup. Owner Ismael Alba offers up fabulous fare at very fair prices…Let Irene or Natasha show you to your table where the minimalistic, yet avant-garde presentation of bread basket awaits you. Grab a warm piece of peasant loaf and order up a nibbley or two… Start with the Squid Trio With Dippings ($7 and p.s…the citrus sauce rocks) or the gorgeous Grilled Fennel Salad ($6). Enter into the agreeable arena of entrees with the Salmon and Tumeric Lentils ($17) with the most fabulous yogurt, cucumber and grape compote ever…If fish is not your dish, then the Apple Glazed Grilled Pork Chop, Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Currants ($17) ought to do you just fine. And if it’s meat you can’t eat… the Wild Mushroom Risotto will satisfy the ‘vegan’ in all of us. On the wine front, go with the Clos Du Val, for thirty bucks, it can’t be beat. The good news? Come summertime, that fiberglass front will pivot open and Coup will spill onto the street. The bad news? Everyone will know.
JUNNO
64 Downing St. (Bedford and 7th Ave South)
(212)627-7995
This intimate Nouvelle Japanese, thirty some-odd-seat eatery definitely caters to the hip, city set…Drop by the sexy blue bar and have bartender/cutie Clem get you going with his own advent: The Mademoiselle…slightly sweeter than a Cosmo, perfected for an editor of a magazine of the same name. Let the drink dull the pain as you endure the inevitable wait for your table (no reservations, sorry). Then lift off to Euphoria as you nosh on an order of the most perfect bar food ever invented: Edamame ($2), steamed, salted soybeans that pop out of the shell and melt in your mouth! Could live on these alone. Time to hit your table where you must immediately hit up your waitress for the Ravioli of Sweet Shrimp with Mustard Miso Sauce ($6), an unbelievable delectable sauce surrounds the most perfectly prepared dumplings. The Sake list is extensive in price (high to low) as well as quality (fair to excellent). Ask owners/partners Junno or Jean Shim for a recommendation or two. They seem to always be on hand, anticipating your every need. The rolls are traditional ($5-$6), no big whoop, yet satisfactory to say the least. Entrees consist of mostly traditional dishes as well, with slightly sexier art direction…Grilled marinated Short Ribs with Sesame and Scallion Salad ($14) sounded better than it was, and the Bouillabaisse of Red Snapper and Shellfish with Chrysanthemum and Watercress ($12) gets an A for effort. If the entrees are slightly disappointing, no one seems to notice as the uber-cool gen-exers watch the likes of Michael Stipe performing aromatherapy on himself at the corner table.
MARKT
401 WEST 14th STREET
(212)727-3314
No, I did not forget the "E"....Markt is the Belgian word for Market, and in case you didn't know, New York is all about Belgium at the moment! Dutch design sensibilities influence our wardrobes and Moules Frites are moving in! In the no-longer underground area of the Meat Market, this oversized brasserie-eque boite is filled with a combination of haute clientele and downtown coolies. It has a hustle-bustle feel of Peter Lugers, old school, yet up to date. The food is fab...stick with the traditional tastes of Belgium, and be sure to try the mussels foie gras if they're on special.....delish and decadent! And if Belgian Beer is your beverage of choice, you will be quite pleased. Even if it's not, Markt is not to be missed. And Hostess/Goddess Angela is the coolest in town.
BOND STREET
6 Bond Street
(212)777-2500
Want a sakatini that socks it to you?????? With a click of her high heals and one fast dressing change, debbie's ready for the night! Thinking slim, sashimi is on the brain? Looking for a little rice and dressing, no problem... you'll get laid -- with tuna sashimi that rocks and crunchy shrimp rolls that work it!!!.... Just be prepared to expenses account it! The bartender is cuter and more potent than the saki and a few yuppies might be digging tongue at the bar.... No bother.
Dan-al 90 EAST 10TH STREET
(212)982-6930
In the central village you'll find an unexpected farm house underneath a way cool building serving up an architectural wet dream. Are we upstate or downtown? Well, when you taste Dan-al's homemade fare, you'll be looking for old aunt Nellie and her home-made pies. Order up a feast in this old country inn and take a walk through the quiet side of yesteryear. The food is scrumptuous with an atmosphere in no way like Manhattan's. Brunch rocks for those who had too much medicine last night. This shelter is a must attend day or night... you may even see Debbie scarfing down the daily delight!






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