One of the best things in New York is a restaurant called Sant Ambroeus. In the old days there was only one Sant Ambroeus, and for various reasons I still prefer that one. Now there are two. Most of the time I go to the one uptown.
Who needs a friend when the waiter is happy to see you? Who needs a family when the coat checker is affordable? Who needs a kitchen when there is no second bedroom in your apartment for a decent cook?