OT: Visiting NYC in December!

Hi! And I can't wait - my favorite city! I'm coming up on a bus trip with my Mom and my 9 year old niece Kaity. This is my 6th trip, so I know all the touristy things to do, all of which we love, but I'm stumped for a good place to eat in the theater district (we're staying at the Edison, near Times Square) or in midtown. Normally, the bus group eats at the View at the Marriott Marquis, but we're not - the food has never been good and the service/attitude worse. So, I need a place for dinner - nothing too fancy or weird, we like Italian, American, steaks, chicken, seafood, etc. Plus, I want to make sure Kaity feels comfortable. I'm not too concerned about the cost, as long as I don't need to take out a bank loan! Also, since I'll be 4 months post-op at that time, I should be able to find something on any menu that I can eat. I read that Patsy's is good - any opinions? Last year, we ate at Luna in Little Italy, but since my Mom has COPD, and we literally had to run for the subway to make it back to the bus on time, Little Italy is not really viable. We're coming up on Nov 30-Dec 1, and I can't wait - should be the first time I can fit in a bus bathroom - talk about WOW moments! Thanks in advance and have a nice weekend! Teresa

Oh, there are tons and tons and tons of places, but if you want Italian, maybe try Carmine's in Times Square...They are ENORMOUS portions, but it's all family style, so sharing is allowed...Also, go to www.citysearch.com and click on New York and you'll find lots and lots of restaurants (some with reviews)...

Thanks Andrea! Have a great weekend! T.

Carmine's for sure! You will have so much fun here. There is no place like NYC! Make sure you go and see the christmas tree as well. December is the best time to visit.

Virgil's BBQ is one of my favorite spots in Times Square. The service is quick and the food is very good. Make sure you go to Rockefeller Center to see the tree and the ice skating rink and Sacks window! Have a great visit!

Oh and be sure to take your niece to the HUGE ToysRUs store in Times Square. They have a HUGE ferris wheel in the middle of the store! Kids love it! -Dee

Definitely try Carmines......get there EARLY though!

Italian in midtown, you can't do better than Becco at 355 W. 46th street. It's owned by the PBS-television italian chef, Lidia Bastianich. It's better than Little Italy and it's right near where you'll be. The veal chop is extraordinary; everyone likes the osso bucco; and they have a fish special each night that is different but always good. When you sit down they bring great olives and really good bread with olive oil. yumm. There's a low-cost, all you can eat three-different kinds of pasta in different sauces. They also serve really good wines at bargain prices (rare in NYC). I probably shouldn't tell anyone about it because it's already sometimes hard to get a reservation. You won't have a problem if you call now to get one.