Spice is the place I take out-of-town visitors when I want to show the trendy New York they expect. With its molded plastic chairs, funky geometric designs, and glass accents (as well as futuristic bathroom fixtures—make sure to stop by before you leave), Spice has the look of an urban crowd-pleaser. Although popular in the NYU area and constantly crowded, there is never a long wait because service is so efficient. One waiter is devoted exclusively to making rounds to fill water glasses almost ad nauseum.

The small joint tends to be noisy, but the fun, hip, relaxed crowds don't seem to mind. The food itself is quality—every dish I've tasted there has been at least above-average for Thai cuisine. Their Massaman is possibly my single favorite food—not too spicy, not too creamy, just thick enough. Pad thai too is among the better attempts I've had in New York with crispy sprouts, a good serving of peanuts, and not-overcooked noodles. Their Thai Iced Tea tastes richer, like the kind I remember from Thailand, than most Thai joints. Points for presentation as well—also trendy with white geometrical dishes sporting their cleanly presented foods in fun ways that go beyond the popular cone-shaped rice.

Like many Thai places, they run a fabulous lunch special for $6, which includes an appetizer—skip the salads, I recommend the emerald vegetable dumplings with black plum sauce—with your entree. Dinner pricing is also reasonable, between $8 and $10 for a dish. Not a great place for a romantic dinner, but a fast and dependable option a short distance from Union and Washington squares.

THE quintessential British experience in New York. From the radio station to the decor to the staff, all things English reign at this West Village fish-and-chip shop. Forget Arthur Treacher's, this is the way to get that fried goodness fix you've been craving. So far my Anglophile friends and I have found no other place in New York which does what A Salt does so well.

Available here are specialties from Britain, like choice sodas—Irn Bru (Scotland's national drink) and Shandy (iced tea and lemonade with a touch of Bass beer)—that should be a part of any life experience. But of course, what really draws in the patrons comes in unassuming newspaper wrapping. That's right, we're talking deep-fried, battered, flaky, tender fish and thick-cut chips. Everything is fried fresh when you order, which can take a minute or two, coming out to you mouth-scalding hot every time. Cod, the most popular choice, is essentially flavorless for the fishy-phobic. Haddock is another good, mild fish. Both are consistently crisply battered outside but succulent and tender inside, so satisfying I've never even considered ordering any of the less-traditional varieties they offer (Sole, Whiting). The chips too are perfectly fried—not too mushy but not too crunchy. There is plenty of authentic malt vinegar (a must) and salt to complete the experience. Another personal favorite dish of mine are the homemade mushy peas, a bit of an odd British concoction but a traditional fish and chips side dish. A bit like pea puree, the color should be no deterrent to your enjoyment of this surprisingly flavorful mush. And of course, you'll need dessert, and you're in luck. The deep fryers here work hard to bring you all the satisfaction you, and the child inside you, crave. We're talking deep-fried Mars bars and Oreos. Classic.

The only drawback to this all-Brit fest is the authentic-feeling size of the restaurant. Like most London joints, the customer area is miniscule and cramped. There are maybe 10 stools at counters along the walls, so anyone not beating the lunch rush will have to take their order to go. Still, the blokes behind the counter, if a bit odd, will assuage the pain, charming you with their accents and friendly advice. We usually find it easiest to order together and share. They are amenable to dividing large baskets of fries into single portions and the fish practically falls apart for your cross-tasting pleasure.

Their prices are a bit steep if you consider this fast food, but for the ethnic snob, it is quite worth the extra few dollars for the step up in quality. And if you're not too England-exhausted after your scrumptious bellyful, make sure to stop by next door where they sell all varieties of British candies (real Cadbury chocolate), snack food (prawn cocktail-flavored crips), and paraphernalia (the essential Union Jack toilet seat!). Simply brilliant.