Are you a restaurant regular?

I read this great article in the New York Times last week about the comfort (and perks) of being a restaurant regular. Long-time critic Frank Bruni says, "What you have with a restaurant that you visit once or twice is a transaction. What you have with a restaurant that you visit over and over is a relationship." It's so true. Since moving to New York—as crazy as this sounds—I find that I rarely go to the same restaurant twice. It's mainly because there is always so much new and interesting food to experience and try, but in the back of my mind, I miss having a regular haunt.

In Boston, Eastern Standard was my go-to spot. They knew my name, my drink order (an Au Provence), and somehow always managed to squeeze me in when no reservations were left. So far, Brooklyn has become my best shot at reclaiming this kind of intimacy when dining out. I've been testing the waters with both Van Horn & Company (love their B.L.A.T.) and Ted and Honey (their veggie burger is to die for). I go frequently, and the ease of familiarity between myself and the waitstaff is slowly starting to sink in. Bruni is right—it's about the relationship, not the transaction, and I look forward to stopping by.

Do you have a regular restaurant? Where is it? I'd love to hear!

P.S. Colonie, pictured above, is another place I'm courting as a new, long-term spot. :)

(Image 1, 2, 3, and 4)