New York Cheap Eats (sort of)

HOT OFF THE PRESSES, the New York magazine list of inexpensive eats, ranked 1 to 101. I've been to about a fifth of them, and can tell non-New Yorkers that you might not think they're all inexpensive — like Lupa (#20), which New York calls "moderate" in price. It is moderate, compared to the other Mario Batali restaurants. But if I remember correctly, our dinner there was close to $100 for two, which isn't like eating at Totonno's pizzeria. (I've had takeout from the one in our neighborhood: I've never been to the original in Coney Island.)

For a cheaper Batali restaurant, try Otto Enoteca Pizzeria (#24). It's in between a pizzeria and and Lupa in price, especially if you stay up front at the bar for the pizza and excellent wine selection. But less expensive than some of these restaurants is to go for a lunch special at a good restaurant. In my neighborhood, there's Centolire, with a $24.50 lunch (last year it was $20.05), and Antonucci's, with a $16 lunch.

Anyway, the list is a good one, worth bookmarking or buring this week at the newsstand. I'm going to the Bouchon Bakery (#6), even if it is in the Time Warner Mall.