When the Waldorf Astoria restaurant closed in March, chefs like Dominick Di Napoli picked up other cooking gigs. Di Napoli, for instance, landed at the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. In the meantime, he also opened a restaurant with a friend, fellow Staten Islander Jimmy Kelmendi. "Sofra is my baby," Di Napoli enthuses.

"It's fun Italian food with a continental swing to it," he explains. There is an Asian-influence with Black Codfish, an entree served with red miso, grilled eggplant, marinated cucumbers and a sweet-sour sauce. Wonton strips and spicy cashews lend crunch to a Napa cabbage salad with ginger-chive dressing and Manchego cheese.