1. Gotham Bar & Grill: one of the top 10 restaurants in the city for food, decor and service. E. 12th near University Place. Can make reservations through OpenTable.com. Takes 2-3 weeks to get a reservation.

2. Balthazar: on Spring Street in SoHo. Takes 2-3 weeks to get a reservation, and have to call the restaurant directly -- they're not on OpenTable.com.