It seems that everyone in NY is a restaurant critic.

I for one am not.

I do however feel strongly that since I spent well over 31 years working, cooking and owning some of the best restaurants in NYC, I can talk.

I will never review a restaurant, but will merely tell you about our experience.

This week we went to The Nation 2 times with some of our dearest friends and had a blast!

8 Rivington Street

Between Bowery and Chrystie

New York, NY 10002

Neighborhood: Lower East Side

(212) 777-2177

The interior of the National!

Zoe Feigenbaum is the Chef and she is whipping up some delicious straightforward American cuisine.

In the ’70- yes the Welcome Back Kotter days, my dad used to take us to buy inexpensive shoes in the outdoor flea markets and then bring us to Katz’s Deli for a delicious pastrami sandwich.

The Lower East Side in the '70's

There were always signs at Kat’s Deli that said,” Send a Salami to your boy in the Army.” My dad would always tell us that my grandmother came to the deli and sent him Salami while he was in the Korean War. He said it took 5 weeks to get to him and was coated in Mold. After whittling down to the core and yielding on about 6 ounces of meat (The salami was 5 pounds) he said it was the most amazing food he had ever eaten.

Send a Salami to your boy in the Army!

Well, the Lower East Side has certainly changed and The National is just a sweet little place, with solid service, a great design and yummy food.

The Lower East Side 2010

Try the ribs, white asparagus with capers and bacon, the Jerusalem Artichokes and the Soft Shell Crab Entrée.

The Pineapple upside down cake rocks too!