My current Manhattan discovery is Szechuan Gourmet. I noted a good review in the NY Tmes for their 39th St. location (just west of 5th ave) some months back, but didn't try it till learning of a second location on W. 57th betw. Bway and 8th Ave. Definitely a cut above all the neighborhood Szechuan This and Hunan That. The flavorings are distinctive and you don't have to beg them to make it spicy (though they will make spicy dishes mild on request). The Ma Po Dofu (it's spelled some other way) is excellent.