Salli Vates' Best of 2011

I realize that this list might seem premature, as 2011 is only three-quarters finished, but here is my completely subjective "Best of 2011" list. Be forewarned that the categories are entirely arbitrary.

Best Milkshake: Shake Shack's "Fair Shake." This thick vanilla milkshake, spiked with 100% arabica, has an exotic coffee flavor. (Various locations)

Best Scones: Harney and Sons SoHo. These dainty vanilla scones are better than the scones at Alice's Tea Cup and Balthazar Bakery. So buttery that they crumble apart and melt in your mouth, they are served with jam and cream. (One word of advice: order the sweet scones instead of the savory ham scones, which are also inexplicably sweet.) (433 Broome St., 212-933-4853.)

Most Inventive Omakase: Sushi of Gari. Yes, it can get dangerous; you order until you are full, having no idea how much money you've spent. But believe me, it's worth it. Amazing creations like salmon roe topped with silken quail egg and grilled squid legs with sea urchin cause you to temporarily forget your credit card balance. (402 East 78th St., 212-517-5340.)


Most Surprisingly Kid-Friendly Restaurant: Mandoo Bar. Any child will enjoy watching the Korean dumpling masters at work, and will probably even eat the results. The fried tofu is also quite unintimidating. (2 West 32nd Street, New York - (212-279-3075)


Best Restaurant for Diners in Disagreement: Greenwich Grill. One of you wants Italian, the other craves sushi. Don't argue, just head over to this TriBeCa duplex; one of you can order housemade rotelli while the other orders sashimi from the basement sushi bar, Sushi Azabu. Just be forewarned that on busy nights, it can take a while to get that coveted tekka maki. (428 Greenwich St., 212-274-0428.)


Best Retro Pastries: Lulu Cake Boutique. This Chelsea newcomer features a variety of pastries that are as nostalgic as they are decadent. Chocolate-covered Twinkies and snowballs with real coconut will satisfy both the preservative-free purist and the indiscriminate glutton. (112 Eighth Ave., 212-242-5858.)

Most Authentic Japanese: Nakanaka. No, it's not cheap ($8 for one piece of sushi "gunkan"), but you are guaranteed to feel like you are in Japan. The tempura with green tea salt is to die for, as is the broiled duck over udon. (458 West 17th St., # 1, 212-661-2791.)


Best New Transplant: Why, Ladurée, of course, provided that you have at least an hour to wait in line for the famous macarons. I made time for boxes of six strawberry-mint, chocolate, raspberry, and salted butter caramel cookies. (864 Madison Ave., 646-558-3157.)


Best Grilled Cheese: Beecher's New York. The NYC outpost of this Seattle cheese company puts together some shockingly good grilled cheese. My favorite version contains whole-grain mustard, tomato, and lots of gooey melted Flagship cheese. I just wish Beecher's didn't run out of breakfast sandwiches so fast. (900 Broadway, 212-466-3340.)

Best Croissants: Le Moulin à Cafe. Fresh out of the oven, these croissants are incomparable, and I certainly appreciated them last Saturday, when everything was closing due to the tropical storm/hurricane. The coffee is La Colombe. (1439 York Ave., 212-288-5088.)


More to come...