No one loves to dine out in a scene restaurant more than I. One of my favorites is the Lion, where four of my archival photos are prominently displayed, Another is the charming Waverly Inn, where Pierce Brosman and Cindy Lauper once waited patiently for their tables.

However, there are those occasional evenings when a relaxing seafood dinner without attitude is just the thing. Recently, I discovered the Mussel Pot on Bleecker Street. In a rock garden, highlighted by a soothing waterfall, I enjoyed good conversation, a tower of succulent seafood, an oversized pot of Thai mussels (with red curry, lemongrass, cilantro, coconut milk and couscous) and a delectable crème brûlée.

As everyone knows, the enjoyment of any meal is enhanced by where you're seated in a restaurant. So, imagine how delighted my friends and I were in this setting of alpine rocks and and waterfall...without leaving the city!

Whenever you book a table at the Mussel Pot, request the garden. Then, choose from mussels prepared with a wide variety of exotic ingredients. You will not be disappointed!!!

"Seafood Tower" - a specialty of the Mussel Pot, photo by Rose Hartman

The Mussel Pot's back garden, photo by Rose Hartman