BECCO, Theatre District
An informal "country" Italian setting on Manhattan's "Restaurant Row." Perfect for a first night, low protein meal to help reduce the affect of jet lag.
Sample menu: Superb Antipasto, Three Types of Pasta served Tableside from Sauté Pans, Home-made Ice Cream, Espresso, Cappuccino, Half Bottle of Wine or Two Beers.

+BOAT HOUSE, Central Park
In the middle of Central Park, overlooking a lake, the lake surrounded by lush foliage, the foliage framed by the skyline. Venue: A tented area available year round. Perfect for a party with dancing, either an old fashioned American barbecue, or a formal seated dinner.
Sample American Barbecue: Seasonal and Exotic Vegetables in Wicker Baskets served with a Variety of Dipping Sauces, Blue and Yellow Tortilla Chips with Authentic Guacamole and Fresh Salsa Picante, Boat House Barbecued Chicken, Special Sauce, Eight-Ounce Hamburger, Two-Cheese Cheeseburgers, Jumbo Pushcart-Style Hot Dogs, Fresh Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter, Traditional Potato Salad, Tricolour Pasta, Hearty Tossed Green Salad, Assorted Rolls and Condiments, Watermelon Wedges, Fudge Brownies and Chocolate Chip Studded Blondies, Coffee/Tea, Full Bar, Four Hours.

BRYANT PARK GRILL, New in Bryant Park (42nd Street and Fifth Avenue)
An airy cafe with outdoor seating when weather permits, like a grand Paris cafe set in an enchanting garden.
Sample menu: Lobster and Potato Chip Salad, Grilled Swordfish Steak with Portobello Mushroom Scatter, Rosemary Butter, or Grilled Veal Chop with Tomato Sauce with Black Olive Relish, Smashed Potatoes, Brown Butter Cake with Dried Cherries, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle of House Wine.

CAFE WHA?, Greenwich Village
Seems as if this Greenwich Village Club has been here since forever, or at least long enough for its stage to be graced by singers and comedians such as Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springstreen, Bob Dylan, Chaka Kahn, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Ray Romano (how about Ray's recent $2 million book advance?). Our guests bypass the lines, order a Woo Woo (Peach schnapps, vodka and strawberry), and settle in. Food's pretty good, but that's not the point. It's not unusual for our clients to greet the 4 a.m. cleaning crew.
Sample menu: Specialty Drink: Scorpion, Woo Woo, Zombie, Pina Colada; Buffalo Wings, Popcorn, nachos & Salsa; Shish or Chicken Kebob Platter ( Skewer of Chicken or Lamb), Rice Pilaf and Salad; Chocolate Mudcake; Coffee/Tea; Two glasses House Wine. Music Charge

CARNEGIE DELI, 55th & Seventh Avenue
The quintessential and most famous New York deli, Carnegie is "it" for breakfast or lunch. Open 22 hours a day, the joint serves humongous portions, including sandwiches big enough for Godzilla.

CRAB HOUSE, Chelsea Piers
A sprawling, informal restaurant with captivating views of the Hudson River.
Sample menu: Cup of New England Clam Chowder and Garden Salad: Maine Lobster Feast Or Broiled Lobster Tail, Fish and Salmon Or Prime Rib and Lobster Tail; All served with mashed potatoes; Dessert; Coffee Service; 1/2 bottle house wine

DENIM & DIAMONDS, Lexington Avenue at 49th Street
A high energy bar / restaurant with a shot of country and a splash of rock'n'roll. Dress code is definitely casual jeans and T-shirts are the uniform. On Lexington Avenue between 48th and 49th Streets, D&D offers line dancing, dance lessons, and a down home menu:
A buffet of Cheese and Fruit Platter, Vegetable Basket with Dip, Chips and Salsa; Barbecued Ribs, Fried Chicken, Barbecued Chicken, Crock Pot Baked Beans or Sautéed String Beans Almondine; Field Green Salad or New Potato Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette; Home-made Corn Muffins, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Coffee/Tea. Dessert Additional

+ FLORENT, West Village
In the heart of the meat packing district, an area where guests are unlikely to wander on their own, this little diner offers copious, good American breakfasts. Decor: Non-existent unless you count formica and linoleum among decorator's materials.

FIREBIRD, RESTAURANT ROW
A little corner of Mother Russia in Manhattan, where owner J. William Holt and his wife The Baroness Irina, granddaughter of the assassinated former Mayor of St. Petersburg have created a little corner of their homeland on West 46th Street. Complete with original Diaghilev ballet costume sketches, books form the Czar's personal library, Faberge eggs, and other priceless items, Firebird is a jewel box. The food is lovingly prepared, the service reminiscent of turn-of-the-century elegance; in short, a dining experience that transports to another time and place. A wonderful second-floor bar is the perfect setting for a pre-dinner drink, or a nightcap.

FOLEY'S, Times Square
Normally, we do not recommend hotel dining rooms. This is one of the few exceptions. Oversized wrap-around windows offer views of non-stop neon of Times Square. Latest edition: The over-sized Morgan-Stanley Stock Exchange ticker tape racing by outside.
Sample menu: Bocconcini Mozzarella, Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Grilled Eggplant, Basil Virgin Olive Oil, Sautéed Red Snapper with Lemon and Caper Butter, with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, New York Style Cheesecake with Fresh Berry Coulis, Coffee/Tea. Two Glasses of House Wine.

KEENS CHOP HOUSE, Chelsea
In the late 1800's, an exclusive men's club in the former theatre district, now a popular destination for the nearby garment trade. Keens still has a clubby feel, with its dark wood panelled dining rooms and terra cotta smoking pipes that line the ceilings. Food cooked to perfection.
Sample menu: Maryland Crabcakes, Keens' Famous Mutton Chop with Mint Sauce, New York Cheesecake, Coffee/Tea/ Half Bottle of House Wine.

LA BOITE EN BOIS, Lincoln Centre Area
A minuscule (maximum 46 seats), charming, welcoming, excellent country French restaurant.
Sample Menu: Warm Leek and Potato Soup, Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard Sauce, Creme Brulé, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle of House Wine.

La CITE, Broadway-Radio City
An updated version of the New York steakhouse with Gallic pedigree. Near the Theater Distrct, Radio City Music Hall, and with an informal bistro section (which we prefer) and a more formal dining room, the prix fixe "Taste of the Grape" menu is excellent value.Small groups may dine a la carte.
Sample menu: Sweet corn Chowder; Steak (Filet Mignon) Frites Filet Mignon or Spit-Roasted Chicken Marsala, Duxelle Mashed Potatoes; Choice of Dessert; Coffee/Tea; Wine (Unlimited)

LE BAR BAT, Midtown
Not just for dancing any more, this disco, with its dramatic blue draping and bats in a former church, looks like a set for a vampire movie waiting to be filmed. Lively at night, but available by day, the location at West 57th Street is the ideal departure point for individual exploration after lunch.
Sample Lunch Menu: Le Bar Bat Salad, Grilled Fillet of Salmon with a Three Mustard Sauce, Oven Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary, Chef's Selection of Vegetable, Cheese Cake with Seasonal Fruit, Coffee/Tea, Two glasses house wine

LE COLONIAL, Midtown East
Newish "in" spot with a decor of rattan furniture, ceiling fans and tin ceiling made for Bogey and Bacall. The perfect setting after Miss Saigon or any Broadway show.
Sample menu: An Oriental Tasting, with Half Bottle of Wine.

+LE TRAIN BLEU, Bloomingdale's
Breakfast or lunch in a replica of a plush 19th century railway dining car. Breakfast at Bloomingdale's is the perfect start to the day: Ordinary mortals can be seen on their daily commute stream across the 59th Street Bridge, while participants enjoy a leisurely full American breakfast, with champagne, and a fashion show or cosmetic demonstration. After breakfast, a chance to shop before the general public has access.
Sample menu: Chicken Caesar Salad, Choice of Dessert, Coffee/Tea, Two Glasses of House Wine.

+ MCDONALD'S, Financial District
Yes, McDonald's. But like you've never experienced it before. Waiters serve on silver platters, a piano player on a baby grand entertains with New York tunes. Perfect for a quick lunch stop after visiting the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island.

+MICKEY MANTLE'S, Central Park South
A light and airy sports bar named for legendary Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle. Typical hearty American fare and outrageous sundaes for dessert.
Sample Lunch Menu: Cucumber, Tomato and Onion Salad; Penne with Fresh Basil and Tomato; Grilled Salmon with Butter Dill Sauce or Caesar Salad with Grilled Breast of Chicken; Entrees served with Vegetables, Rolls, Butter and Condiments; Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake or Fresh Fruit Cobbler; Coffee Service; Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks.

+OFFICAL ALL STAR CAFE, Times Square
A new sports-themed, razzmatazz restaurant with a dining room the shape of a stadium, video screens everywhere. Part-owned by sports greats Andrew Agassi, Monica Seles, Shaquile O'Neal, Joe Montana, Ken Griffy Jr., Wayne Gretzky Tailgate Party:
Specialities: Hot Dogs (Bronx Dog, All Beef with Steamed Onions and Mustard), Texas Chilli Dog (Mustard, Green Relish, Chopped Onion, Tomato, Pickles and Hot Peppers), Seattle dog (topped with Cheddar Cheese), Hamburgers, Condiments, BBQ Riblets, Corn Dogs, French Fries, Soft Pretzels and Mustard, New Potato Salad, Cole Slaw, Brownies and Cookies, Coffee/Tea, House Wine, Beer and Soft Drinks.

ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA, Greenwich Village
Enchanting, romantic, unique, this old carriage house has working fireplaces, a discrete, hard-to-find entrance on a Village sides street and a classic New York venue for proposals of marriage . Private rooms with working fireplaces available.
Sample menu: Warm Bundle of White and Green Asparagus with Spring Morels and Brandy Cream, Salad of Asian Marinated Duck Confit, Citrus Marinated Halibut or Black Sea Bass with Curried Fennel and Leeks in a Lobster Consommé, Selection of Delectable Desserts, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle of House Wine.

RED BLAZER, Midtown West
Formerly on West 46th Street, "Restaurant Row," the new digs are lovely and much more intimate, the way a jazz club should be. It's in the old home owned by the famous actor, John Barrymore. Barrymore's house was a also a restaurant for a while. The new place is done up in reds, and the original library, with its humongous fireplace, is still intact. Nightly jazz is the main event here. Some of the best progressive, rag, and Dixieland bands entertain.
Sample menu: Caesar Salad; Grilled Salmon in Mustard Sauce or Filet of Beef with Bordelaise Sauce; Chocolate Cake; Tea or Coffee; Half Bottle House Wine Per Person

SEQUOIA, South Street Seaport
A handsome nautical-themed restaurant with oversized windows overlooking the tall ships in the Seaport harbour, the Wall Street Skyline and the Verazzano Narrows Bridge. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic.
Sample Menu: Seafood Chowder, Rib Eye Steak, with Vidalia Onion Rings, Sequoia Fries, Barbecue Steak Sauce, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle of House Wine.

SUPPER CLUB
In the heart of the Theatre District, The Supper Club is an interpretation of a 40's night spot inspirect by the famed Cotton Club. The host for the evening is Larry Marshall who portrayed Cab Callaway in The Cotton Club movie. Dancing to a 17-piece Big Band, a high spirited ensemble of dancers and singers and a sensation tap duo.
Sample menu: Asparagus Vinaigrette, Grilled New York Sirloin, Chocolate Opera Tower, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle House Wine.

SYLVIA'S, Harlem
Family-owned Mecca for Southern food and gospel. Sample menu: Family-style lunch of typical Southern foods.
Sample menu: Greens, Sweet Potatoes, Black Eyed Peas, Fried Chicken, Barbecued Ribs, Corn Bread, Coffee/Tea, Half bottle of House Wine.

THE VIEW, Marriott Marquis, Broadway
A revolving restaurant that takes in the Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Midtown hi-rise buildings, on its 360º one-hour slow spin through the neighbouring skyscrapers
Sample menu: Clam Chowder or Caesar Salad, Half Grilled Basil Chicken or Prime Rib, New York Cheesecake or Chocolate Hazelnut Torte, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle of House Wine.

+YE WAVERLY INN, Greenwich Village
In the heart of Greenwich Village, a picturesque and delightful former stable and carriage house, totally out of step with the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. Built in 1844,the restaurant's four small rooms have fireplaces, one of the rooms has a roof that opens to the sky, weather permitting.
Sample menu: Soup of the Day or Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing; Chicken Pot Pie (House Specialty) or Cheese Ravioli with Fresh Basil Tomato Sauce or Sliced Flank Steak with Wild Mushroom Sauce; All served with Homemade Mashed Potatoes and Steamed Green Vegetables; Fresh Fruit cobbler or Cinnamon Nutmeg Bread Pudding; Coffee/Tea; Two glasses house wine.

Any time, virtually any restaurant, our East Coast menu is a hit.

A category apart, steakhouses in New York are a "must do" experience. Expect huge steaks in an informal masculine setting, with waiters of varying degrees of civility.

GALLAGHER'S, Theatre District
It started in the mid 1800's as a steakhouse without the niceties of knives and forks, later became a speak-easy, and today is a destination in the Theatre District. The front windows offer a view of the massive cooler, with its curing steaks hanging on hooks. The Broadway dining room offers a view of the sizzling kitchen.
Sample menu: Onion Soup, House Salad, 16-oz Char Broiled Steak, Gallagher's Potatoes, New York Cheesecake, Coffee/Tea, Half Carafe of House Wine.

KEENS STEAK HOUSE, Chelsea
Established in 1885, the restaurant is renowned for its steaks and the largest churchwarden pipe collection on earth. These Dutch clay pipes, formerly belonging to members of this men s club, line the ceilings. On the walls are museum quality theatre and political memorabilia from the era when the area was the centre of Manhattan cultural life. With the largest single malt Scotch collection in the U.S., a shot tasting is the perfect start to a meal featuring perfectly grilled steaks or lamb chops.
Sample menu: Chowder of the Day, Pepper Crusted Filet Mignon with Creamy Garlic Potatoes, Strawberry Shortcake or New York Cheesecake, Coffee/Tea, Half Bottle House Wine. No additional charge for private rooms.

SMTH & WOLLENSKY, 49th Street and Third Avenue
You want noise? You want New York atmosphere? This is the place. Bright, brassy, and full of patrons eager to dig into gargantuan steaks.
Sample menu: Lobster cocktail, Steak, Creamed Spinach, Cottage Fries and Fried Zucchini (shared, because portions are enormous), Deep Dish Apple Pie with Ice Cream or White Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Sauce. Price varies depending on cut of beef.

SPARKS, East 46th Street between Second and Third Avenues
A well kept secret among wine connoisseurs and serious steak and fish eaters who were not at all fazed by the big portions it serves, the place acquired legendary status when a major mob figure was gunned down in front of the restaurant. Cars with beefy drivers still line up every evening to await their bosses dining on the best dry-cured steaks in New York.
Sample menu: Green Salad, Filet Mignon (signature cut) Broccoli, Baked Potato, New York Cheesecake, Coffee or Espresso, Half Bottle of House Wine.

RAINBOW SUITES, Rockefeller Centre
Sixty-four stories above it all, views out to the Atlantic and New York as jewel box below, this Art Deco setting was recently restored to its former 1930's elegance. The Rainbow Suites were recently taken over by Harry Cipriani and details of the new policies and prices will be available at the end of '98.

EMPIRE STATE BUILDING, Fifth Avenue at 34th Street
The view's the thing in the 80th floor private dining space at this most famous of buildings.