I'm finding it much easier to get reservations at some of the most popular and expensive eateries such as Le Bernandin which is few blocks from my apartment.

Quote from theDudeAbides:
Never been. But given it's a "dive restaurant" (in your words), I guess I don't get your point.
Quote from zdreg:
the goal of governments all over the world is to turn the middle class into serfs. take it literally and if necessary look up a detailed meaning of what a serf is.
your attitude needs to change. there is alot u can do. you need to find a way to make yourself self- sufficient.