At the month-old Bar Milano, the brothers Denton ('ino, 'inoteca, Lupa) abandon their usual rustic environs for a modern Milanese milieu. I loved the look: gorgeous marble walls, mod furnishings, wine lockers, a sunny, buzzing bar area and trendy tableware that complements all the designer attire in the room. The food nicely marries couture cuisine with comfort cooking, starting with giant, generously-charred octopus tentacles (so big they looked like they could capsize a boat). A bed of fragrant fennel and bitter radicchio rounded out the dish's smoky personality. Crunchy carrots lent a smooth rabbit terrine some texture; and fat, caramelized scallops (pictured) topped with caviar and sitting on a minty fava bean puree showcased the season like a finely-tailored suit. The pastas were my favorite, however, especially the osso buco ravioli, little pasta packets finely stretched around rich, shredded veal; and the buttery taglioni ribbons, twirled around garlic and ramps. I'm looking forward to going back and seeing what's in style for the summer.

"Chop suey, chop suey! Good, bad, intelligent, mad and screwy." I never thought I'd be able to use lyrics from "Flower Drum Song" on this blog, but these pretty much sum up our critic's take on Zak Pellacio's new pan-Asian restaurant.

In more exciting news, we take a look at the relocated 2nd Avenue Deli (seen above), which prompts this choice intro from our critic, "Like Streisand on repeat, the 2nd Avenue Deli recalls an endless strain of the way we were." And, in a bonus for pastrami-lovers, we also have a brief look at Friedman's Deli, Chelsea Market's bid in the kosher competition. Get all the meaty details in the full list of the week's new and notable restaurants.

I love it when restaurants surprise me. I'm not a big frequenter of the Gramercy/Park Avenue South area--my scruffy writer's look doesn't really blend with the suit-and-tie after-work drinker's crowd. And the PR materials for Primehouse NY boasting of steaks being aged in a Himalayan rock salt room, reeked of gimmickry. So imagine my surprise when I finally went and had one of the best steakhouse meals in memory. What differentiated it from the herd? Click through to find out, and read reviews of Red Bowl, a new Chinese option in Williamsburg, and eight more new and notable restaurants.

(Photo courtesy of Primehouse NY)

OK, a new Thai restaurant in Gramercy isn't exactly earth-shattering stuff, but it's a slow news day. The good folks at Dashing Diva tipped us off about the cuisine type of this in-progress space next door on Third Avenue and 15th Street. No info on the name yet, but we're sure the manicurists will be thrilled to have another nearby option for papaya salad.

UPDATED: The sign in the window says it's to be called "Ca Tch Def Ish," a naming gimmick that's just gonna hurt in the long run.

I can't think of too many reasons why I'd ever be tempted to  have brunch at what's ostensibly a bar in Murray Hill. But I was recently alerted that PS 450 serves monkey bread on their weekend morning menu, and I gotta say, I'm thinking about it. What's monkey bread, you ask? It's basically a variation on a sticky bun, and a mighty tasty one at that, often topped with things like fruits, butterscotch and cheese. Oh, and Nancy Reagan just said "yes" to it. Although I can't vouch for the quality of PS 450's food, sweetening the deal is the brunch's $10 cost--which includes not only the simian snack, but also a choice of entree, coffee and a cocktail.

(Photo courtesy of Tsokolate.net)

Lately, black truffles have become New York restaurant shorthand for "adventurous" or "distinguished." Unfortunately, in many of these dishes, the main word that comes to mind is "overpowering." The white truffle, on the other hand, is rarer and more expensive, and so isn't quite as overplayed on city menus. Tonight, Pugilese restaruant I Trulli in Murray Hill is offering a five-course white truffle menu for $195, which includes pairings of Nebbiolo wines. As a bonus for this first, chilly day of fall, word is the restaurant's fireplace will "probably" be lit.

(Photo courtesy of Luxuryweb.com)

Korean food hasn't fully infiltrated New York the way its Asian-fare peers have. Of course, there are many great spots in Koreatown and in the outer boroughs, but outside of that, most options are the more expensive spots like Dok Suni in the East Village. So I was definitely excited to try the tiny takeout joint, Express Manna Kitchen, near Union Square. After browsing furniture at ABC that I can't afford, it's a nice spot for a quick lunch. And though I can't say the bulgogi was the best I've ever had, it definitely scratched an itch--at $8.50 with salad, noodles and kimchee, that's about all I needed it to do. Extra credit for offering wait-free outdoor dining in the neighborhood for under $10.