Epstein's Deli, Hartsdale

More than once in the past few months I've remarked that I probably would have starved to death during the remodeling if it wasn't for Epstein's. Of course, there was never any danger of that happening, as I've gained something like a pound a week.

But still. Epstein's was a regular fall back destination, and their chicken noodle soup my most regular choice. The simple preparation of rich, homemade-tasting broth and thin egg noodles was warming, satisfying and delicious.

I didn't delve too much into the deli meats, I left that to the Grumpy Diner, who loves Epstein's pastrami and corned beef. I'd occasionally indulge in a potato knish (practically enough to feed a family of four!) or the absolutely wonderful whitefish salad. Their bagels I can take or leave -- too bready, not chewy enough. I prefer their rye bread; they have several kinds and it's all great. The chicken potpie is big enough to share and still have leftovers. (Who knew when I wrote this that potpie has become the favored food of the fabulous?)

Eat in, take out, early-bird special or late night snack. It's all good.

City Limits Diner, White Plains

Back in the olden times when we both worked about a bazillion hours a day in Manhattan, we went to City Limits at least once a week. The food and service are consistently good. But for the past decade we have mainly gone there only when I want a big, juicy burger after I donate blood.

It became a mainstay once again during our mainly kitchen-free days at the start of the project. The food is still good across the board, but I like their breakfast menu best. There are a handful of choices that could quickly become favorites, if I didn't know better: The chorizo and egg quesadilla, served with red and green salsas and guacamole; the egg and sausage burrito -- chorizo again!; huevos rancheros, with sauce-smothered corn tortillas that are still crispy, crispy, crispy; and the spinach, bacon and roquefort omelet: crispy, creamy, salty and tangy. I like to choose egg whites for omelets and scrambled, to limit the damage.

Several of the waiters are alumni of the fine-dining restaurants also owned by the Livanos family. One of them, a rather elderly gentleman, waited on us one Sunday morning when we were in serious need of a dose of gracious living. When we sat down he unfolded our linen napkins and draped them across our laps, laying out our silverware with a little flourish, butter knives resting across our bread plates. He kept the water glasses and coffee cups full, didn't interrupt our conversation, didn't clear the table till we were both done, and was friendly without being intrusive. Thanks to him, a regular Sunday breakfast felt like a special occasion and really brightened our day.

City Limits is pricier than your average diner, but the menu is more innovative, and the food and service are more than a step above. I don't aspire to ever return to my weekly visitor status, but it's going to be on my list when I crave a breakfast that's just what the doctor ordered (me not to eat).

Central Seafood, Hartsdale

The contractor was here on Thursday. I took a break from painting my office and went out to do some errands. OK, I ran away from home. The unfamiliar sounds, the paint and mastic smells, the other (albeit very nice) people in the house, the limited noontime access to the kitchen!

When my lunch bell rang, I was near Central Seafood, a Chinese restaurant that a friend had recently recommended. I never think of going here, it doesn't have much presence. It's tucked into the corner of a shopping mall, and doesn't seem to have a sign. I can never remember the name, and it's such a vague name anyway. But it was right there.

I barely was settled in with a nice linen napkin draped on my lap, when the noise began. A couple of tables behind me, a woman began ranting, "Do you think that's a new idea? Do you think I never thought of that? I'm a decorator! I tell other people what to do! Listen to yourself! Do you think I don't know what I need for my own kitchen?! Who are you to tell me what to do in my own kitchen?! I know about materials! I know about colors!"

Oh, crap.

Maybe Ms. Big-Mouth's dining companion quietly committed suicide, or maybe Ms. Big-Mouth simply took her own advice and listened to herself. She eventually simmered down, began using some version of her inside voice, and continued talking about her kitchen remodeling.

So much for getting away from it all.

(BTW, the food was good. It was an interesting menu, but I went for the most b-flat -- standard -- of all luncheon specials: wonton soup and shrimp lo mein. Quick, tasty, $6.75, and enough to require a doggy bag. The place has huge tanks of live fish and shellfish, hence its name. I wouldn't mind trying out their Dungeness crab, assuming I could do so without taking out a second mortgage.)