JoJo's on the Upper East Side

My wife and I are on a roll now at finding neighborhood restaurants on a Saturday night that do not disappoint in New York's upper east side. The latest happens to share my wife's name, or at least her nickname, JoJo's.The restaurant is just off of Lexington Avenue on 64th Street. It looks like a little doll house and is as adorable on the inside as the outside. The hostess found as a quaint little table in the front dining room, though the upstairs is quite cozy as well. From there the dining love began.I opted for a charred octopus on a warm potato salad to start, and it was simply remarkable.

I could have eaten ten portions, or at least I felt like it. Rare, scrumptious, but subtly flavorful cuisine.Joleen opted for a ricotta ravioli which was heavy on herbs and not overly tomatoey ...

The entrees were spaced out perfectly from the appetizers and the wait staff was both professional and personable. I would also add that they weren't dressed like prostitutes, which is itself a refreshing change from many dining experiences.Joleen went with the Beef tenderloin with ginger mushrooms, broccoli rabe, and a soy caramel sauce. She is fortunate I was so pre-occupied with my own plate as she could have gone dinner-less if she weren't married to such a polite man. Packed with flavor but subtle, a perfect beef entree ...

My entree was the magnum opus of the evening, two lamb chops coated in spicy crumbs, and prepared to medium rare perfection. I have eaten lamb in more restaurants than I can count and the accompanying sauce and seasoning was just a perfect compliment to the entree.

I cannot say enough about JoJo's from the staff to cuisine, and if comfortable, elegant neighborhood dining is your thing, add this to the top of your list.