Dedicated readers of this website and my email newsletters know that I have a not-so-secret passion for good restaurants, and am especially proud of the ones we have within our own borders. Last year I gave a rave to Alvin & Friends at 49 Lawton Street soon after it opened (in particular their perfect fried chicken). And I’m glad to see that the New York Times has offered their review of the restaurant. The Times’ write-up is about as good as it gets.