I'm back from my 2 month stint in the US. Most of the meals I consumed were
memorable for with whom they were eaten, but one NYC meal was memorable on
every count.

The restaurant is Kin Shop, recommended by the foodie friend of my friend.
http://www.kinshopnyc.com/

We chatted with the couple at the next table who go every week or more and
they were moaning with pleasure over the marrow bones. Our best were the
scallop appetizer and the pork and crispy oyster appetizer. I've come up
with a version of the scallop one already and will recreate the oyster one
when I find oysters. That's not as easy in Italy as you might think.

If you live there and haven't, or if you are going there, do try Kin Shop.
It's moderately priced for NY, but you can see that on their website.