ave you ever wondered why so many chefs are now attaining celeb status with offers of fame, fortune and eternal life (well not quite, but close) after one bite of their scrumptious cuisine? Now you can actually afford to investigate this culinary alterna-career for yourself with the help of NYC's Summer Restaurant Week 2007. Spanning two weeks - July 16-20 and July 23-27 - prix-fixe menus are no higher than $35 for the entire meal - beverages and tips excluded. So invest in your future, call your agent and prepare to be inspired by this variety of international cuisine for your future FOOD TV cooking show.

Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro As one would expect, Artisanal has an arsenal of artisan fromage in their well stock pantry for the mild, moderate and adventurous cheese connoisseurs. With over 250 varieties ranging from smelly to salty to sharp and to creamy, this bistro also has a stellar cellar of vino (over 160 varieties) for that perfect marriage of wine and cheese. Chef Brennan has created a wonderful temple in which all patrons alike can pay “homage to fromage” on a daily basis – Brennan included. Is your mouth watering yet?



Butter Forget all this margarine crap – butter is where it’s at. Even diet-conscious celebs head to Butter for a gourmet dining cum late night clubbing experience (when they’re not in rehab, prison, or just plain old on tour). With Executive Chef, Alexandra Guarnaschelli, at the helm, directing the Nouveau American fare, it is apparent that this luxurious and chic restaurant is ambitious, driving out some impressive items from the stovetops.




Compass After a few years traipsing through Europe on a journey to culinary Mecca, Chef John Fraser successfully navigated the rocky terrain to the secret discovery of fantastic cuisine: regionalism. Simply stated, regional cooking employs local ingredients and techniques at your ready disposal to create fresh and delicious meals. The chic beige, black and red décor is enhanced by massive bouquets of fragrant flowers if the aromas from the kitchen aren’t enticing enough. For the high rollers that might have been directed to Compass’ cellar, expect to pay at least seven G’s for a bottle of ’65 Petrus or neat thirty grand for a bottle of vino circa 1928. Yikes! I’ll stick to the prix fixe thanks.

Devi The moniker Devi, meaning Goddess in Sanskrit, is also ironically four fifths of the most evil being in the realm of Christianity (hint: he has horns, a tail and pitchfork). I know plenty of misogynists who will be more than happy to accept this equation between females and the devil, however this resto, true to the Hindu religion, is about balance and harmony between the sexes. The décor also reflects this theme of unison, combining aspects of the warm and welcoming Indian home with the architecture of the temple. As per the harmonious theme, the cuisine blends traditional Indian spices with modern American ingredients, as evident in their signature dishes.

Django Much of NYC’s fine French dining commences in pretentious atmospheres where even the waiter scoffs when you use an inappropriate utensil for the foie gras. Fortunately, Django, with its plush comfy benches and littered cushions, serves a menu full of fancy French classics without the air of elitism. For an after work cocktail and steak et frites, this spot is fantastic to mingle with well-heeled peers and discuss the current state of the NYC social scene.