Smith's, NYC

The culinary gods seem to be smiling on me, as I had yet another fantastic experience at new restaurant Smith's. Despite its somewhat grungy location in Greenwich Village, Smith's transports you with an elegantly chic atmosphere which is meant to evoke an old railway car. Intimate booths, mirrored ceiling panels, and a bar cleverly tucked in the back instead of pushed up against dining tables are some of the lovely touches. The Grilled Lobster with butternut squash and lobster consommé sounded so delicious both of my friends ordered it, while for variety I chose the Pork Chop with braised pork cheeks. Everything tasted wonderful, and an appetizer of artichoke pasta perfumed with truffle oil was also memorable. Desserts were quickly devoured. The restaurant gets pretty full but reservations are not impossible.

79 MacDougal St btwn Houston and Bleecker