New York City

Why: It may be foolhardy to pick out one spot because you could eat your way across Manhattan, but we choose Peasant, chef Frank De Carlo’s rustic Italian trattoria  in Little Italy.  It may be the most evocative Italian restaurant in America. 194 Elizabeth St., 212-965-9511, reservations at opentable.com

How: It’s less than a three-hour nonstop flight to LaGuardia, Newark, or JFK, serviced by NWA and Sun Country. The least restrictive fares are to JFK. 

Stay: Downtown. The hotel of the moment is Ian Schrager’s Gramercy Park Hotel. A more refined, relaxing stay is to be had at the beautiful Ritz–Carlton at Battery Park. (Rates from $555 and $475, respectively.) 

Eat: From its wood-burning hearth oven to its rustic oak tables and terra cotta dinnerware, Peasant is terribly romantic. Ask for a truffle pizza, the incredible bean soup if it’s on the menu, and any of the rotisserie-grilled meat dishes, and you’ll be happy—really happy. This isn’t a refined experience nor is it always that welcoming, but tell them you’ve come a long way and De Carlo and staff will do you right.

Pack: The new Zagat guide, issued this month; the current New York magazine; or the current week’s Time Out New York. You’ve got no time to waste, so plan in advance.

P.S.: Foodies should consider a culinary tour, such as NoshWalks. 212-222-2243