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Anything but turkey

By Linda Perney | NNYNewsday.com

4:33 PM EST, November 24, 2004

Dumplings, a snack sans leftovers, for the day after Thanksgiving. (Newsday/Tony Jerome)

The day after Thanksgiving, and the last thing you want to think about is turkey. Here is a selection of restaurants where, we promise, there won't be a gobbler in sight.

MANHATTAN

Ollie's Noodle Shop & Grill. Like the name says, there are plenty of noodles. But there's lots of other stuff, too. Like, 10 different kinds of dumplings and nine soups. Otherwise, there are the usual suspects: chicken with peanuts in hot sauce, moo shu pork, sesame beef. If you want something a little different, try the braised buffalo carp in hot bean sauce or the sizzling sliced pork with garlic stems. (200 West 44th Street; 212-921-5988)

Amma. This serene candlelit space is a perfect cure-all after a meal with the family. Order the tandoor grilled lamb chops, which come with pear chutney, or the tandoori prawns served with minted rice. To finish? Mango cheesecake, what else? (246 East 51st Street; 212-644-8330)

Turkuaz. The scene is Casbah-on-the-Hudson, with exotic-looking draperies, low lighting, and small tables surrounded by divan-like seats in a bi-level space. The menu - complete with plenty of mezze choices - is authentically Turkish. Expect grilled meats, chicken, and fish as well as kebabs, Turkish pizza, stuffed vegetables, and salads. Order a glass of arak to get in the mood while you puzzle out the mysteries of the menu (if you need help, the waitstaff is more than happy to help). (2637 Broadway; 212-665-9541)

Blue Ribbon Sushi. This is Bruce and Eric Bromberg's all-sushi-all-the-time entrant in their restaurant empire, which now reaches all the way to Park Slope. This hip, late-night joint offers some of the best sushi and sashimi in the city (including fantasy rolls made with unlikely ingredients like lamb and filet mignon). There is also a good selection of sake. The downside? The no-reservations policy makes for substantial waits (up to an hour during peak times) for one of those comfy-looking booths. (119 Sullivan Street; 212-343-0404)

QUEENS

Erawan. First-rate openers at Erawan are crunchy Thai spring rolls or chicken or beef satays. If you want soup, there's tom kha (shrimp or chicken in coconut milk). For main courses, try talay Thai -- seafood with lemongrass and basil sparked with chili pepper. Petd kaprow -- crispy duck with basil and chili -- also comes highly recommended. (42-31 Bell Boulevard, 718-428-2112)

BROOKLYN

Mo Bay. It's always crowded, and there's usually a wait at this small Fort Greene restaurant, where the price is right. Jerk chicken and jerk shrimp with mango salsa are standouts. There are also vegetarian curries, curried coconut salmon, pan-blackened chicken and oxtail stew. Wash these down with a spicy Ginger beer drink or fresh squeezed cane juice--or beer or wine from the bar. And, for dessert, there's the famous "rummy rum cake" -- soaked in three types of rum and served warm with vanilla ice cream. (112 DeKalb Avenue; 718-246-2800)

Vera Cruz. In the neighborhood for a decade or so, Vera Cruz is a Williamsburg institution, with a friendly bar (and $3 Happy Hour margaritas). This is a place that's crowded all year long: food is fresh and well-prepared (try the corn on the cob with cheese), and the service is cheerful and solicitous if at times a little harried. (195 Bedford Avenue; 718-599-7914)

Faan. This is the place to go for Asian/Pacific food that ranges from Thai to Chinese to Sushi to Vietnamese all served in portions big enough to feed two. The other great thing about the place is the price: this is Asian food on the cheap. Indoors, the decor is funky, with stone-topped tables, white plastic chairs, and Asian bric-a-brac. Don't miss the lychee martini. (209 Smith Street; 718-694-2277)

STATEN ISLAND

Nunzio's. Staten Islanders swear by Nunzio's pizza - a crisp-crusted pie with fresh mozzarella and a hint of basil in the fresh tomato sauce. While the place certainly isn't fancy, its whitewashed walls and vintage photos make it a pleasant place to sit even if it does get a little noisy at times. (2155 Hylan Boulevard; 718-667-9647)

BRONX Roberto's. You don't come here to admire the decor. You come here to eat - preferably with a crowd. The is Italian home-cooking with verve, and the portions are massive. The menu lists a good selection of pastas, starters, and main courses, but the best way to order is to check the blackboard for the specials: radiattore with porcini and cream; pasta baked in tin foil with cherry tomatoes and ricotta; short ribs with hot cherry peppers; veal scalloppine; roast chicken.... you get the picture. (632 East 186th Street; 718-733-9503)