N.Y.C. GRAMERCY TAVERN Danny Meyer��������s pride and joy is classy but just enough so. Delicate, fantastic food such as a perfectly roasted lamb with fava beans. Sophisticated American rustic digs, perfect service make it a paragon of New York dinning excellence. Tavern Room is more casual and a little cheaper, but every bit as delicious. $60 42 E. 20th St. (Broadway and Park Ave. So.) 6 to 23rd St.; N/R/W to 23rd St. gramercytavern.com 212-477-0777

L.A. IRORI Best fish you'll find for quite a few miles. Incredible freshness and beauty for sushi lovers�������in a mini-mall, of course! Traditional looks, peaceful, easy kind of feeling. Wild salmon, shiso-glazed snapper, snow crab tempura, and sake tastings. Same great sushi, lower prices than the masters. This place is a find and almost certainly a steal. $30 4371 Glencoe Ave. # B-4 (Mindanao Way) 405 Fwy. to Marina del Rey/CA-90 310-822-3700