Luke's Lobster: The lobster roll has been enjoying a bit of a renaissance recently (and has possibly jumped the shark with its availability at Citi Field), but there's one lingering problem: they're usually way too expensive. Luke Holden and his father Jeff, both Maine natives, are trying to change this in the East Village. The Lobster Roll will be the biggest draw at the Holdens' new place, and at $14 it's pretty reasonable, especially with the near-complete lack of filler mayo and celery. Other seafood rolls are as cheap as $6, and dishes include fresh chowders, bisques, crab claws and lobster knuckles. No liquor license yet, but spring will bring some Maine-grown beers. 93 East 7th Street, (212) 387-8487 more ›

Mari Vanna: The latest addition to New York's niche dining market this week comes to us all the way from Russia. Mari Vanna opened last Wednesday after a soft opening all through July, bringing authentic Russian cuisine and all the vodka you can stomach. Inspired by the mythical Mari Vanna (think Max Brenner, but with Borscht), the restaurant feels more like an immigrant kitchen, complete with tchotchke on the bookshelves and ottomans on the floor. And with the winter months approaching, Mari Vanna offers Russian classics like Blinis and Beef Stroganoff on homey yet extravagant china and linens, and gives you the opportunity to wash down that stew with over 70 types of vodka, including a couple dozen imported bottles from Russia. The emphasis, however, is on their in-house infused vodkas, with flavors like Oats & Honey and Dill & Garlic. No word yet on if those flavors are actually successful. 41 E 20th St; (212)-777-1955 more ›

In his farewell from restaurant critic duties, the New York Times' Frank Bruni offers answers to reader question questions: For instance, in answering, "What's the best sushi place? Masa is the "absolute best" but acknowledging the $400/person price is steep, he offers Sushi Yasuda where you can have "a wonderfully intimate, pampering omakase experience...for under $100 a person... Still a major treat, but much, much more manageable." Steakhouses: For "a certain corny, musky ambience," go with Sparks for its strip; for a contemporary ambience, go with Porter House New York or BLT Prime; Keens has a great mutton chop; and while Peter Luger's has an "outstanding porterhouse, but the lights are always too bright and the service usually too gruff." more ›