For various reasons, including Canadian Thanksgiving, I had to return to Toronto halfway through the recent New York City Wine & Food Festival. I figure I’ll catch up with the likes of Bobby Flay, Martha Stewart and Alton Brown when they do their stuff in Miami during the South Beach version of this Food Network event in late February, 2011.

Meanwhile, here – in no particular order – are the results of my sleuthing as I spent much of four fabulously sunny and surprisingly balmy fall days walking the streets of Manhattan, nibbling and noshing as I went.

The Meatball Shop, 84 Stanton St., in the Lower East Village is must-visit haven for fans of the versatile, ubiquitous in almost every culture, often delectable food: the meatball. Choose from the lists of meatballs, sauces and side dishes. There are also sliders, subs and pastas incorporating the house specialty. A cozy room with a comfortable bar and friendly, helpful servers. And the prices are right. Read more…