Restaurant finds in the Upper East Side, New York

Persepolis, a Persian restaurant located on 2nd Avenue between 74th and 75th, has a quiet atmosphere with subdued modern décor and very attentive service. However, I can't say enough about the quality of the food. It's the best Persian food I've had in the US, and living in Los Angeles, I've had some of the best. After the waiter brought pita bread and butter to our table, we split an appetizer, which wasn't on the menu and I urge you to try. Ask for tadig (crusty, crunchy rice from the bottom of the pot) topped with Gormeh Sabzi(a stew of cilantro, spinach, green onions, corriander, fenugreed, kidney beans, and lamb or beef). This was the best Gormeh Sabzi I've ever eaten. Really spectacular. For main courses, the four of us ordered kabobs - boneless chicken kabob, minced beef kabob, and lamb kabob. Each kabob was cooked to perfection, with each piece cooked to the same degree of doneness, and each juicy and full of flavor. All came with rice. I tried the dill rice, which was delicious--each grain separate and fluffy. My husband ordered his lamb kabob with the delicately flavored sweet rice. The others ordered the plain rice, which was laced with saffron, and a side of roasted tomatoes, again, perfectly cooked. By this time, we were stuffed but ordered one dessert to split. It was Paludeh - Persian Ice Cream with rice noodles and rose water. It's too sweet for me, but my husband and our guests loved it. All this delicious food for four cost $20 each. Drinks are extra, and they serve a variety of beer and wines. What a find.

Thai food isn't one I have much experience with, but Jasmine did more to win me over than any other Thai restaurant I've tried. The atmosphere is bustling and lively, with warm Asian decor. The service is outstanding, as well as the food. Our appetizers of steamed and fried spring rolls were delicious. The lemongrass shrimp was outstanding. The chicken with green beans and coriander was even better. The chicken curry in coconut milk was delicious but a bit mild for my taste. I'll ask for a hotter version next time. For about $20 each, I'll return the next time I'm on the Upper East Side.