CHELSEA

So many restaurants, cafes, and bars dot Chelsea that it’s impossible to name them all. Most are good to outstanding, since poor-to-average places don’t stay in business. Still, here are a few recommendations:Alta Linea, an inspirational trattoria, in the High Line HotelCo., which takes pizza to soaring new heights.Cull and Pistol, in the Chelsea Market, an oyster bar and seafood specialistDel Posto is Mario Batali’s take on haute Italian fare with haute prices and has become the mecca for sensational Italian fare.Hill Country, a Manhattan take on Texas barbecueFlatiron Lounge, mahogany bar and red leather seats and a destination for lovers of creative libations.

Public:

PS 11, the William T. Harris School, from pre-K to grade 5, with a swimming pool

PS 33, Chelsea Prep, pre-K to grade 5

Lab School for Collaborative Studies, grades 6-12

Bayard Rustin Educational Complex, houses six small schools for grades 6-12

Liberty High School for Newcomers, grades 9-12

The Museum School, grades 9-12

The O. Henry School, grades 9-12

Private:

Avenues: The World School, pre-k through 12

Xavier High School, Jesuit for grades 9-12

With a neighborhood so large and so diverse, listing even the best places to shop is a daunting task. Choices from specialty meats, to shoes, to confectioners, to chic threads are both myriad and many.A locals favorite, the Chelsea Flea Market, has an extensive array of tents exhibiting trinkets, works of art, clothing, and interesting antiques.Anthom is a women’s boutique that reminds you of a cutting edge art gallery.192 Books is a book lover’s idea of heavenLetter J is a throwback to the days when specialty men’s’ shops had exclusive offerings not available anywhere else.