I decided to find a new restaurant during my recent New York trip and came across Blue Hill in Greenwich Village during my search.  With Chef/Owner Dan Barber recently named a "Who's Who in Food & Beverage" by the James Beard Foundation and the emphasis local/farm fresh ingredients, I was sold. 

I had a great meal and really appreciated both the service and hospitality of the staff as a solo diner.  Some of the best lamb I have ever had combined with a theme of farm fresh tomatoes for the other courses.  If you like ingredients that stand on their own, this is the place for you.  

I also learned when you dine alone in NYC and carry a pen and paper to both make notes about your experience as well as sort out your projects and priorities, people seated next to you may assume you are a food critic.  I learned this after being asked by the couple next to me…

Although I failed to mention to them that I do write a small publication called "Reply to All" out of Seattle, I would definitely recommend adding Blue Hill to your list of places to dine while in NYC.