Freemans

I'm posting this for Minde and Tyler (who are holding out on us - seriously, they give the best restaurant recommendations).

Everything about Freemans is fabulous: walking down the alley in the LES to get there, the taxidermy animals on the wall, the way the light comes through the windows just so, and the food, of course the food!

I'm still craving the citrus salad and cinnamon lemonade.

Freemans

End of Freeman Avenue

Off Rivington, between the Bowery and Chrystie.

Hummus Kitchen

I love Middle Eastern food (or Mediterranean as they call it) and especially love eating out with my family who spent most of their life living there. So when my cousin was as impressed as I was with the Hummus Kitchen, I thought it was worth passing on. Very authentic middle eastern food, completely delicious! Best hummus I've had in a long time (probably since I was last in the Middle East).

Two locations:

Hells Kitchen
768 9th Ave., New York, NY (@52nd)
212-333-3009

Upper East Side
1613 2nd Ave., New York, NY (@84th)
212-988-0090

Lowcountry

Another Southern recommendation: Lowcountry. We loved the Wedge Salad, Mac n Cheese, Brussels Sprouts, and Fried Chicken Biscuit.

142 W. 10th Street.

Hill Country

We were in the flatiron district visiting the indoor play place Appleseeds and needed a quick bite. Too cold for Shake Shack. So we opted for the yellow door at Hill Country Chicken. Touted as the "Not All Fried Chicken is Created Equal" spot. The chicken was delicious, tender and well seasoned. I got Chicken Tenders (3 for $7.50) and Tage devoured the Texas Hand Roll ($9) with Fried Avocado. My only problem was that there was more of a crispy, flakier batter. You MUST order a side of the cheesy fried mashed potatoes, by far the best thing on the menu. I'd go back just to order that! One of our favorite things featured at Hill country is Boylan's drinks are on tap featuring Cane Cola, Root Beer, Grape, Orange, Lemon and Black Cherry.

For kids they have the "Kid's Coop" with 2 tenders (they are huge), fries and a drink for $6.50. There are large tables, high chairs and booster seats with plenty of room to finagle strollers and other winter gear. Just be prepared to order quickly because it's set up cafeteria style where you order your chicken, sides, desserts and drink then pay at the end.

Dessert was good, not amazing. With a few mini pie cups ($3 each) we tried the coconut cream and the Texas Billionaire (chocolate with chocolate chips, pecans and marshmellows). They weren't fresh and the pie dough wasn't to my liking, but I imagine their pie shakes ($6) will be fantastic in the summer time.

HILL COUNTRY
1123 Broadway (corner of 25th)
212.257.6446
hillcountrychicken.com

This isn't for the faint at heart!