I'll be in New York on business in a couple of weeks, and am looking for restaurant suggestions. I will be on an expense account, so I can't break the bank (but I don't have to go cheap), and may or may not be taking clients out. My hotel is near Rockefeller Center.

I'm a real foodie, and will try & enjoy almost anything, love the unusual & the more formal (I know, they don't usually co-exist) but will probably be eating with less adventurous folks. I would love any kind of restaurant the likes of which are not found in my average midwestern city (which means most kinds of ethnic food).

I love the writeup on Picholine's cheese cellar in the recent Wine Spectator - is that a possibility?

And on a different front, how about real south Indian (vegetarian) restaurants? Any notable restaurants of this type in NYC?

How about Nobu?

You might try this web page. They have a food forum for NYC that is amazing. A true foodies place.
www.chowhound.com

Sue -- there are lots of great restaurants near Rockefeller Center. You might try Citarella's new restaurant at Rockefeller Center -- wonderful fish.

I love Cite -- a classic steakhouse -- they have a great prix fixe wine dinner with seatings *after* 8 pm. Includes 4 flights of wine.

If you want ethnic food, try walking over to 9th Ave. Lots of great restaurants there in the 50's.

Sue,
Picholine is very good and their cheese selection is one of the best in the city. You will need a reservation. If you are by yourself, they do have a small bar area where it is possible to order food and or course cheese.

For a great wine selection, try Veritas. It is owned by two of the largest private wine collectors in the U.S. Basically, they opened the restaurant as a way to showcase their collections. Dinner will not be cheap.

There are several good Nuevo Latino restaurants that are popular. I like Chicama which is at 35 E. 18th St. They have a great selction of different ceviches. I've also heard that Patria on Park and 20th is good.

For interesting "Nuevo" Indian, try Tabla at 11 Madison Ave (@25th St.) It combines Indian (as in Asia, not American) and style American dishes. The food is very good. They do have several vegetarian dishes.

Aquavit on E. 54th st. Stunning, wonderful Scandanavian food - peerless fish, brilliant spicing and fusion ideas, elegant atmosphere - truly original, but enough dishes that the less adventourous would be comfortable.Pricy, but worth it - eat downstairs, not in the upstairs cafe.Picholine is good, but try Artisinal for a wonderful NY experience with a great cheese menu. Tabla just got a rave review two weeks ago, a couple of other New Indian restaurants to try are Tamarind (very trendy right now, call early for a reservation) and Cafe Spice on University Place - more reasonable, excellent food. Welcome to ny & have fun.

Cheers to you for trying to find South Indian -- it's so hard to come by. I recommend Surya down in the W. Village on Bleeker. It's unfortunately super trendy and cool and all, but they're really good. For a cheaper meal (and just as wonderful) try Dosaya in the East Village or, on the corner of 1st Avenue and 6th Street (aka "Curry in a Hurry" street!) there's a new S. Indian restaurant whose name begins with a B and I'm forgetting it. But the entrance is right on 1st Avenue on the corner of 6th (south side of street) And it's wonderful.

For a great meal and great cheese, wine, etc (albeit slightly pricey but worht it) check out Le Refuge on East 82nd Street. Phenomonal. We love the restaurant so much that when my French husband and I got married we planned the reception around how many people their room would hold! It's a tiny little place, quaint and exceptional food. Our french family were super-impressed and I don't normally like French foods (in the stereotype french way) but this place is exceptional. Its quiet enough for clients as well. Just call and book your table.

Have a great trip and happy eating!

Foodie too--Are you thinking of the Indian restaurant Banjara? I ate there a couple weekends ago and thought it was wonderful. nice atmosphere and good prices.