Every week in NYC, a new restaurant opens up. Restaurants that everyone is talking about, hyped up, publicity machines. With so many new restaurants opening up, let us not forget great restaurants that have been open for some time, serving excellent food. Take the bustling and ever popular Cookshop in Chelsea, which opened in September of 2005. Helmed by the great chef Marc Meyer, whose commitment is bringing an "honest, seasonal dining option to New York City." I stopped in last week and was wowed with how perfect this restaurant really is. It was a Monday night, and every seat was full. And I'll tell you why, Cookshop is a great American restaurant in NYC.

Start with some Vermont Burrata Cheese ($17) with mulled black mission figs, it's delicious.

If you are a kale addict like me, you must order a side of the Spiced Fried Kale ($6), it's fucking awesome! I want to box it up and have it as a snack in my home. Wow.

The sausage at Cookshop is superb.

The dish that truly blew me away though, was Spaghetti Squash, hazelnut cream, dried cherries, and kale ($!3). This dish was so ingenious and wonderful, my jaw literally dropped. Order it.

If meat tickles your fancy, try the well seasoned and tasty Mixed Grill.

Chatham Cod Piccata ($27) comes with yogurt-roasted pear-spinach puree, black lentils, and arugula. And it's perfect.

A side of brussels sprouts ($7) comes with spiced pecans and is excellent.

End with a plate of cookies or the Meyer Lemon Meringue Bar ($9), lemon chiffon, lemon mousse, & lemon curd topped with bruleed meringue and served with pistachio sauce. It does a body good.

So stop by Cookshop in Chelsea for some great food, and a great night.

Cookshop

156 10th Ave (and 20th St)

New York, NY 10011

212-924-4440

www.cookshopny.com