laurelee

I need opinions about the Bliss 49 salon at the "W" hotel in NYC.
Also, a place for lunch with a pretty patio either around the hotel or on the way to Central Park. Food needs to be good-but simpler.... thank you!

mclaurie

Can't tell you about the salon but why not have lunch IN the park at the Boat House? Very pretty spot.
http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/

There aren't many places with a patio in midtown. You can find places with tables on the sidewalk, but in that area, not always a nice thing. You could stop at the Rock Center Cafe on Fifth but I think the Boat House is nicer.

laurelee

I was wondering about the Boathouse in Central Park...what about the Boathouse Bar and Grill? That may be all we need cuz we are having a big dinner at 6. Is it decent and a nice view too?

doug_stallings

The Boat House is a truly beautiful location and ambience, and that's why you go ... not so much for the food, though it's ok (a little expensive). Still, I would definitely recommend it as a nice scenic lunch spot.

There's a restaurant with an outdoor patio at Rockefeller Center (sorry don't remember the name) diagonal to 30 Rock on the opposite side from the Today Show. And of course there's the Rock Center Cafe (again, better ambience than food ... and also expensive).

Also, there's The Modern, which is excellent with a beautiful view of the courtyard at MOMA but not outdoors itself. It's also expensive and not so "simple".

You could also pick up sandwiches at Pret a Manger and take them to Central Park, but I am assuming you want a sit-down lunch experience, and the Boat House seems perfect for that.

mclaurie

The Boat House bar & grill is more casual but fine. I don't think you can reserve a table there though. If there are just 2 or 3 of you, not a big deal, but if you're a larger group, it might be a problem.