I had to go spend time in the dentist chair on my birthday. Not fun! So why not follow it with a lunch break at Eataly Flatiron? Here’s an admission. I’ve been known to kvetch to friends about Eataly’s pretentiousness. What’s with its branded star chef with orange clogs? Or the weird mix of expansive and claustrophobic aisles, packed with cluelessly excited tourists. Guess what, such complaints proved to be foolish snobbery. I had a great visit. Go early, grab a seat in the Piatto San Marco, order from a short but nice variety of plates offered, and you’ll come away happy. I did.