Cafe Gitane serving up Nolita Hipsters

Do you ever find yourself dreaming about a certain dish? Please, say yes. Let me keep my sanity, because I constantly dream about Cafe Gitane's couscous.

This Nolita hipster hangout serves French-Moroccan food in a small cozy space. If weather permits, try to snag a table outside and watch the fashion show. My personal favorites are the Cucumber, Yogurt and Mint Salad with hummus and pita bread or the Carrot salad with Cilantro and Orange Blossom. But that's just to start. You have to make room for their Moroccan Couscous with red peppers, raisins, toasted pine nuts, hummus and eggplant. It's off the charts. Ask for the spicy sauce to drizzle on top. If you enjoy spicy foods, try the meatballs in spicy tomato sauce, with hard-boiled eggs, cucumber, and a dab of yogurt. You will thank me.

Cafe Gitane
242 Mott St., at Prince St.
212-334-9552

Sorry guys, I dream about this dish. So as far is couscous is concerned, I'm not searching. It's found!

Need a ressie in the Meatpacking District?

The Meatpacking District has turned into a meat market. Although there are so many places to go out down there, it is hard to say no. I always have a hard time finding a restaurant that can take last minute reservations. Pastis laughs in my face, Merkato 55 is booked, and Spotted Pig would prefer me to stand for 5 hours before I get a table. Can't a girl and her friend have a nice civilized dinner before they tear up the town. Enter, Fig and Olive.Located on 13th Street between 9th Avenue and Washington Street, this Mediterranean eatery revolves around olive oil (please don't say EVOO). The 5,000 square foot space has white walls covered in candles. The space is large, meaning you will get a table, but the candles add warmth and intimacy. Enough about the decor, let's get to the good stuff, FOOD! Start with some tapas for the table. Olives, cheeses, charcuterie, crostini, or any of their 4 carpaccio dishes. My two favorites are the yellow fin tuna carpaccio (with 18 year balsamic vinegar, sesame oil cilantro arugula, lemon, and marcona almonds) and the jamon serrano carpaccio (with figs, warm goat cheese, sherry vinegar, and Aguibal Arbequina Olive Oil). Grilled meats and fishes top off this healthy menu. A little wine and you are ready for a night on the town. It's the perfect meal, but I am still searching...

Fig & Olive

420 West 13th Street

Between Ninth Ave. & Washington St.

(212) 924-1200

For reservations, check out http://www.opentable.com/

Best Lunch in Tribeca

Columbine, is not only the state flower of Colorado, it is home to the BEST lunch spot in Tribeca. Lines that wrap around the corner only prove that locals agree.


Fresh bread delivered every morning and local produce are staples to this Tribeca take out joint. The menu is inventive with daily specials to keep you from getting bored. But trust me, once you find a favorite, you will dream about it at night. I wake up craving Donald's Famous Smoked Chicken Salad with Lettuce and Tomato on Ciabatta. Or maybe you would prefer Columbine's Jerk Chicken Sandwich with Grilled Red Onions, Mango-Cilantro Relish and Jamaican Hot Sauce or the Tuscan Vegetarian: Italian White Bean Puree with Garlic and Cracked Black Pepper, Red Onions, Oven Dried Tomatoes, Arugula, Shaved Parmesan (or not) on Pizza Bianca. Are you salivating yet? Don't eat your keyboard.

For lighter options, they offer 3 daily soup specials like Sweet Red and Yellow Pepper Puree (veg) or Portuguese Chick Pea with Pancetta, Escarole and Parmesan Garnish. Their salads are packed with veggies and flavor, like the Romaine with Toasted Hazelnuts, Asparagus, Asiago and Champagne-shallot Vinaigrette.

Okay, I think I have tortured you enough. You can thank me after your first bite.

Columbine
229 West Broadway (cross White St.)
212-965-0909
http://www.columbine229.com/index.html
Open for breakfast and lunch.
Delivery and catering available

If you disagree, don't worry. I am still searching...