Dining might be the new nightlife, so then where does that leave nightlife? Could nightlife be the new shopping? Could it be still alive and well, and hiding behind a bandolier of dusty velvet ropes? Our dear Foster's existential breakdown and subsequent pocketbook damage got me to thinking about what everyone else (re: people with jobs other than chronicling New York nightlife) is doing with their free time in Manhattan. I cornered a Wall Street Dude, a New York Newbie, a Hipster DJ, a girl-about-town Socialite, a Fashion Intern, and a Lawyer to see what's going on behind our editorial backs. Turns out actually going someplace isn't a precursor for strong opinions, pro or con. For example:

The prolific "Sweet Hereafter" director is trying to communicate.

In a time when even airlines have scrapped free peanut service, a few righteous New York institutions are keeping their patrons in gratis bar snacks that are a far cry from stale Chex Mix. Almost makes the rising martini costs worth it.

● L'Artusi (West Village) - Italian eatery dell'anima's newer, bigger brother resto. ● Mr. Jones (Union Square) - Japanese-Danish fusion. Also, Japanese with no sushi on the menu. ● Macao Trading Co. (Tribeca) - Call it what you like -- we prefer "Asian-fusion-whatever" -- but Macao's prospects aren't a gamble.

New spots that won’t break ya’…