Nicholas Lander noticed the blackboard at Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop stating "In this economy New Yorkers are dining down".
In Feeling Frugal (FT, December 20, 2008) he then suggests a few affordable restaurants in New York City.
His first stop was at Porchetta (All things Pigs, All The Time) opened in the past few months by Sara Jenkins with a little help from Mario Batali.
Serious Eats offered At Porchetta, the Namesake Dish Is Just About the Whole Deal,an illustrated review by Ed Levine (September 30, 2008).
If a good cup of java and a little sugar kick is needed, he suggests a stop at Abraco.
Of all his picks, the one I am most tempted to try is Aburiya Kinnosuke (45th Street, near 3rd Avenue) where despite the initial surly treatment, he says he enjoyed 'some of the most authentic Japanese food outside Japan"…
No compromises here though…
Related: Small Prices, Big Flavors at Kuma Inn, Thai meets Filipino in New York