Vida

Good news for hungry pilgrims: This spacious, sun-soaked eatery is located on what may be the hippest street in Staten Island; neighbors include an antiqe shop, an indie coffee house and a vintage clothing store. Owner Silva Popaz's continent-hopping menu reflects the spirit of the vibrant Stapleton neighborhood: The juicy smoked kielbasa soft-scrambled with farmhouse cheddar and eggs is just as tantalizing as the creamy goat cheese and roasted pear salad, cheesecake-creamy key lime pie and N'awlins-style gumbo. Skip the signature Vida Bites (sinewy pork and pico de gallo piled atop soggy crostini), and you may have yourself a meal worth writing home about.