Mr. Chow Tribeca - New York, New York

Long before ritzy Asian eateries became all the rage, this mini-franchise was the quintessential see-and-be-seen dining destination in NY. Dishes like scallion pancakes, salt-and-pepper prawns and Peking Duck provide fuel for star-spotting.

First came a Mr. Chow in London, then a Mr. Chow in Los Angeles, and then, in 1979, a Mr. Chow in New York, on East 57th Street. Like its forebears it proved that you didn't need great cooking to attract boldface names; you just needed other boldface names. And Mr. Chow, the Amy Sacco of an earlier era, got them in the door, mining contacts in the overlapping worlds of art, fashion and all-purpose elitism. Regulars included Andy Warhol, who, Mr. Chow has said, “Didn't so much eat his food as play with it.”

Mr. Chow Tribeca stays true to the template. There are white tablecloths; waiters in white or black jackets and bow ties; a gleaming black bar in front; gleaming white lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling. That certain swank of a bygone era greets guests of Mr. Chow.

Celebrities Seen at Mr. Chow Tribeca

Lindsay Lohan Nicky Hilton Nicole Richie

Socialista - New York, New York

Socialista, the popular, new lounge in the West Village, brings 1940's Havana glamor to the Big Apple. Socialista is a little Havana reincarnated down to the peeling sherbet-green walls, lazy ceiling fans, rickety wooden shutters and distressed leather Ralph Lauren couches.

The ground floor of Socialista features simple Cuban cuisine for late night snacking, including fare such as steaks, classic Cuban sandwiches, rice and beans, and corn on the cob. The bottom floor is open to the public, abiding a "first come, first served" policy—no reservations. If you can get into the upstairs lounge (via a secret telephone number), you'll have no problem getting a table at the downstairs restaurant.

Socialista truly succeeds in replicating the dreamy, tropical warmth of pre-revolution Havana and upstairs, celebs and the models they date sip fruity cocktails including the signature "Socialista" made with vodka, citrus, and spiced syrup into the wee hours.

Celebrities Seen at Socialista

Cameron Diaz Jessica Simpson

Tasti D-lite - New York, New York

Recently made famous by HBO’s Sex and the City, Tasti D-lite is the original low-fat and low-calorie frozen desert. The Manhattan based-chain, first opened its doors in 1987, and has been serving New Yorkers their signature low-fat and low-calorie dessert rain or shine, and even in a few blizzards.

If you are tired of the latest plain-flavored yogurt craze, then Tasti D-lite is the place for you, the creamy dairy-based frozen dessert is available in over 100 flavors, and each individual store creates signature monthly flavors that are equally to die for. With creamy concoctions in classic flavors such as French Vanilla, Coconut, Peanut Butter Fudge, and Oreo Chocolate Mint, Tasti D-lite leaves hooked on this delicious soft serve.

Celebrities Seen at Tasti D-lite

Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen