Meatpacking District – Manhattan, NYC

A Great Neighborhood to Meet, Greet & Eat Meat!
When visiting NYC I love to go to the Meatpacking District in Manhattan... it's got this great vibe, with remnants of cobblestone streets, refurbished warehouses, and restaurants for everyone, from high-end French cuisine to BBQ from the Dirty South. For better or for worse, many high end retail stores (Barney’s, Matthew Williamson, Hugo Boss, Ports 1961) are taking over the "MePa" area (terrible abbreviation!), and rents are growing too high for some long-time bar owners. Stay tuned as the district transforms from slightly gritty to mostly posh. Although I have to say, I love a little mix of both. Here are my favorites:

Spice Market – Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the king of East meets West cuisine. He blends classic French cooking with Asian influences so perfectly, everything he touches turns to gold. You may have seen him as a judge on this season's Top Chef...good episode! I love Spice Market for many reasons, its stunning décor, ultra cool lounge and amazing cocktails. The space is huge with lots of cavernous rooms…great for people watching! Get a reservation at 9 or 10 pm, enjoy a pineapple mojito and pan-asian delights from one of the world’s great chefs. (Fun fact: My friend Jennifer and I went here one night for mojitos and met legendary E Street Band rocker “Little Steven” Van Zandt AKA Silvio Dante from The Sopranos. He was such a trip!) Reservations required. 403 W. 13th StreetNew York, NY 10014~ (212) 675-2322

Pastis is a hip and popular French bistro, with a lively atmosphere and hearty fare. It’s a Meat Packing cornerstone, a busy place for locals, tourists, and celebrity guests alike who flock to Pastis to enjoy a glass of red wine or a Le Sazerac cocktail. Go for the traditional steak frites, sea scallops Provencal, or a hearty Croque-Monsieur. Great for people watching and feeling the vibrant energy of the City. Reservations required.
9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014 ~ (212) 929-4844

The Hog Pit - If you are tired of the long lines, pretentious doormen and Sex and the City wannabes, head on over to The Hog Pit in the Meat Packing District. My friends and I wandered into this roadhouse and right up to the bar for some tequila shots and cheap beer. Bikers, Willie Nelson (yes, he’s a fan) and everyone in between have a great time here. The BBQ ribs, pulled pork and mini corn dogs are finger-licking good, and the low prices can’t be beat. Besides, you might catch Keanu Reeves or Johnny Knoxville playing pool, so check it out. (NOTE: Sadly, due to increased rent, The Hog Pit will be closing on Jan. 1, 2009, so go now to say goodbye.)
22 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street, New York, New York 10014 ~ (212) 604-0092

Markt – Having lived in Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to visit Belgium a few times. So, finding Markt while wandering from the Meat Packing district to Chelsea was great luck. It takes me back to the lively grand cafes of Brussels or Antwerp. I recommend sitting at the bar, ordering an icy cold Hoegaarden white beer, tomato soup, steamed mussels -- offered 6 different ways, and a side of crispy Belgian frites with mayo. Prost! (Cheers!) And, it is even open for breakfast. 676 Sixth Avenue, NY, NY ~ (212) 727-3314

Question: Has anyone been to 5 Ninth ?? I’ve heard it's a cool place that is located in an unmarked rowhouse…it's hip, serving American-Asian fusion in a rustic atmosphere. Many say it a great brunch spot. And a romantic dinner spot at night serving red snapper, chicken and short ribs in the Asian style. Many people recommend hitting the upstairs bar as it has a cool scene in the Meatpacking District, for a “Gansevoort Fizz” with Jamaican run, Drambuie, and lemon juice. In the warm weather there is a sizable garden/deck for dining. 5 Ninth Ave., New York, NY, 10014 nr. Gansevoort St. 212-929-9460