"The famed Brighton Beach palace to central Asian food (groceries plus hot bar) now has a Manhattan outpost. Sprawling steam table islands hold over 200 trays of dishes — bulging lamb mantis, fat and wrinkly grape leaf-wrapped dolma, a bright red sea of pomegranate seeds over pink beets and white rice. The lagman counter and the plov bar serve hot noodle soups and rice and meat pilaf. The place is dangerous for those with weak impulse control. But if that’s the case, bring a jumbo Ikea bag for your haul." - Caroline Shin