In 1981, with an opportunity to open her own restaurant””and create her own menus””Carrie recognized her desire to create and serve "good, old-fashioned American food." She partnered with Ann Nickinson, a talented cook operating a small take-out and catering business on Amsterdam Avenue, and together they opened the first Good Enough to Eat restaurant. The eatery became a huge success, noted first for its all-day, bountiful breakfasts featuring omelets, pancakes, waffles, and buttermilk biscuits. Further renown came soon with homemade soups, huge sandwiches, and classic Turkey and Meatloaf dinners, establishing Carrie””with her sophisticated European culinary training and palette ””as one of the first Chef's in NYC to create and celebrate "traditional" American cuisine.