tao bella.

i tend to avoid some of this city's fancy places-to-be-seen establishments because, quite honestly, i'm usually turned off by the constant need that so many people have to patron overpriced, egotistical spots just because they are famous. or just because Carrie Bradshaw sipped martinis there.

in the case of Tao, i sing a different tune. and i get it now.

despite the fact that we were seated a full hour after our reservation time -- which is totally annoying -- i have to say that this place lives up to the hype. the food rocks, the atmosphere is fun, the crowd is not entirely consumed by wannabees, and it won't cost you your entire week's pay to order what you want. in fact, you will likely have leftovers, which really means it's buy one meal get one meal free. and i'm down with that.

and if you're lucky enough not to be in any particular hurry and don't mind pregaming before your meal while they make you wait an hour past your reservation, then you can also score a free round of drinks for yor entire party. in which case, i recommend ordering the 20-dollar glass of bubbly. or some obnoxiously overpriced fruity cocktail. just.cause.you.can.