Open for Business

There's much to be said about Hurricane Sandy's aftermath but one of the most important things we can do is help our neighbors, communities and cities wherever we can. Whether you choose to donate your time or money, every little bit counts. Or if you prefer to eat and drink your support for the cause, celebrate the little guys, the mom-and-pop shops, the local neighborhood pub, that Italian restaurant around the corner, in areas that need it most.

So here's my Top 5 favourite places in the East Village and Lower East Side. And I realize I am missing other parts of downtown, Brooklyn, Hoboken, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island and loads of other affected areas but that's part of the fun. Reply back with your top 5 local digs that you wish were open last week and hopefully will remain open for business.

1. Lavagna - That Italian restaurant that you wish was around every corner.

2. Idle Hands Bar - Where they know your name and the bourbon/beer with your name on it.

3. The Wayland - Roasted marrow bones, enough said.

4. Freemans - The inspiration for my first blog post, Corpse Reviver #2.

5. Caracas - Because I've been once in 8 years and I still talk about it.