The first, a Russian restaurant, Hot Potato House, is in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. According to the New York Times, “Brighton Beach is the grumpy neighbor of Coney Island and home to a population of Soviet exiles.” What a glorious neighborhood! Walking the streets, one feels as if they have been transported to a different country.

I have tried quite a few restaurants in the area, but this one, recommended by a Russian friend, stands out. It’s not fancy on the outside, but inside it’s warm and inviting and the food is good. As you can imagine, it has everything on the menu that can be done with potatoes – the potato pancakes are amazing, but the menu itself is extensive and features a wide variety of appetizers, smoked fish, classic soups, fowl, meats, fresh fish, salads and vegetables. And when you’re finished, take a walk along Brighton Beach Avenue where many of the storefronts are written in Russian, or just one block over, continue your stroll on their historic boardwalk.

 From the New York Times, “find the Georgian bakery on Neptune Avenue and devour the freshly baked cheesy khachapuri.” (Tone-Cafe Georgian Bread, 265 Neptune Ave, Brooklyn.)

The next, in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, is Yemen Cafe & Restaurant, which serves traditional Yemeni food. The setting is “casual” – the decor hasn’t changed since it opened in the late 80’s, but don’t let that fool you. The food is plentiful and delicious, and the meal starts off with a platter of freshly made pita bread and a warming bowl of broth.

And lastly, in New York City, on the upper west side, is Elea, “blending true Greek Cuisine with a modern-day…Mediterranean cuisine.” The food is pricy, however, portions are ample, and everything we ate was excellent. (Horiatiki Salad – vine ripe tomatoes, red onion, peppers, olives and Arahova feta, a Tasting of (3) Greek spreads with grilled pita, Spanakopita, and Shrimp Orzotto.) There are brunch entrees as well as a selection of eggs, meats and fish.

Enjoy!