How many restaurants are in New York City? Too many. Too many from which to choose. Too many to ever try in one’s lifetime. Too many expensive ones way beyond my limit. Too many bad ones that will be closed before I even get to them. Just too many. But what a great hobby: to attempt to try as many as possible. I’ve been traveling to New York City for years, and here is a sampling of some of my recent dining adventures. There are many ways to choose a restaurant in the Big Apple. 1. By proximity. So, you’re going to see a play in Times Square. You want to have dinner nearby. (Well, if that’s your choice, beware of the pre- and post-theater crowds and the tourist-inspired prices.) 2. By cuisine. In the mood for Thai? American? Seafood? Greek? Steak houses? Dim sum? Pizza? 3. By chef. Of course lots of celebrity or well-known chefs have settled in NYC. Daniel Meyer (Tabla, Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Cafe, Eleven Madison Park, Blue Smoke). Bobby Flay (Mesa Grill, Bar Americain). Mario Batali (Babbo). Daniel Boulud (Daniel). Thomas Keller (Per Se). “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto (Morimoto). (But remember, just like with designer jeans, you’re usually paying something extra for that name.) 4. By neighborhood. You want to hang out in the village for the day. OK, so where to eat? Shopping in Soho? Where’s the best lunch spot. Bargains on Canal Street? Where’s a cheap spot at the end of the day? 5. By ambiance.