Faith Hope Consolo, the “Queen of Retail” (retail real estate that is) has said that “Fashion follows food”…where there’s good food, fashion and good shopping follow.  Ms. Consolo is also the New York-based powerhouse responsible for putting Marc Jacobs on Mercer Street and Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue – it was necessary “to anchor the neighborhood.”

With that, I give you my recommendations for incredible, memorable, and lip-smacking restaurants in New York City.  Each one worth its kitchen’s weight in gold.

CRUMBS BAKERY...321 Amsterdam Ave. (212-712-9800)
Cakes, cookies, and cupcakes

FAIRWAY CAFE…2127 Broadway. (212-595-1888)
Eclectic American

FATTY CRAB…643 Hudson St. (212-352-3592)
Malaysian…think Thai, but better

FISHERS OF MEN…121 W. 125^th St. (212-678-4268)
Southern & Seafood

GARI…370 Columbus Ave. (212-362-4816)
Japanese & Sushi

LA ESQUINA…106 Kenmare St. (646-613-7100)
True Mexican

LA LANTERNA…129 MacDougall St. (212-529-5945)
Italian

LIME LEAF…2799 Broadway (212-864-5000)
Thai
FEATURES LIVE MUSIC

LONDEL’S SUPPER CLUB…2620 Frederick Douglas Blvd. (212-234-6114)
Southern & Creole
FEATURES LIVE MUSIC

LE PAIN QUOTIDIEN…38 East 19^th St. (212-673.7900)
Belgian & Cafes

LURE…142 Mercer St. (212-431-7676)
Seafood

THE RED CAT…227 Tenth Ave. (212-242-1122)
Mediterranean & American

SALUMERIA ROSI PARMACOTTO…283 Amsterdam Ave. (212-877-4800)
Deli & Italian

THE SHARK BAR…307 Amsterdam Ave. (212-874-8500)
Soul Food

UNDER DI TREE...2086 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (212-662-1183)
Jamaican