MURRAY HILL. Located in the Morgan Hotel, this Murray Hill restaurant is "in" with both middle-age business types who wield briefcases and cell phones and the younger, black-clad artsy crowd. One of the hottest restaurants in the city right now, Asia de Cuba serves up excellent Asian-Cuban cuisine. Each "Chino-Latino" entree serves up a multitude of ingredients to thoroughly delight the palate. Try a group rum concoction and people-watch Manhattan's truly "beautiful people." The communal tables are a gas. Smart casual dress. Reservations are a must. TRAIN: 6 to 33rd St; 4, 5 to 42nd St

CHELSEA. Sample fork-tender oxtails with rice, peas and sweet plantains accompanied by Jamaican punch in a festive "reggae" atmosphere at Negril. Feel the ocean breeze (almost) as you taste the jerked shrimp in pineapple sauce with fried plantains. And the affordable prices won't leave you feeling like you have blown it out. Reservations accepted for groups of four or more only. TRAIN: C, E, 1 , 9 to 23rd St