There are 16 women going to NYC for a 4 day trip. Some have never left the county in our state, never flown in a plane and think that Taco Bell is authentic Mexican food. Anyway, I would like to know some great places to eat that are affordable, $15-20 for an entree. I would like to take them to Little Itay and China Town to eat. Any recomendations?

There are many many places in NYC that are $15-$20 for an entree. That is easily found. And you can eat much more cheaply than that at the many different ethnic restaurants.

However, the surprise and shock for many visitors is the price of beverages. Soft drinks and coffee--sodas in particular--do not come with automatic refills. Wine by the glass can be anywhere from $6-$10 per glass and even higher, though it aerages around $8 per glass.

An old favorite in Chinatown that is a real experience in an old-style Cantonese Chinatown restaurant is Wo Hop at 17 Mott Street, downstairs. Very inexpensive.

My new Chinatown favorite is Dim Sum Go Go at 5 East Broadway, costs more but still well within your price range. Very delicious and interesting dishes.

Little Italy . . . there are too many much better restaurants throughout the city to make a special trip just to eat there. If you must, I've find Da Nico on Mulberry Street OK.

Since Chinatown and Little Italy are right next to one another, you might have dinner in Chinatown and then walk 5-10 minutes to Little italy for dessert at one of the pastry shops.

Ellen, shouldn't you be in Venice?

Excellent suggestion re dinner in
Chinatown & then have dessert at
Ferrari's outdoor cafe assuming this trip is in nice weather.

For your party of 16 a good Chinatown stop is on Mott St at Mandarin Court, just south of Canal St. The tables there are for family style seating so you can share dishes, and the Dim Sum is served off of carts and is VERY good. Another GOOD place is on the Bowery called HSF. The tables there are also large to most of you can sit together. Dim Sum carts there as well.

For a little nicer restaurant I HIGHLY recommend Peking Duck House also on Mott St. and the Peking Duck there I think is the best in the city and eating Peking Duck there will be a story the girls will bring home and remember forever.

If I can be of any help while you are here, please let me know. I'd be happy to meet up for drinks somewhere, I'm a great tour guide.

One of the great martinis I've had was in NY; it was a lychee martini but it was $19 each!
Ellen- interesting what you wrote about Little Italy, that has been my experience as well. I would have expected much better.

Agree that Little Italy is not the best place for Italian food - there is much better in all the neighborhoods.

Just be aware that if all 16 are planning on eating at the same place and same time you definitely need reservations in advance - or you're likely the restaurant either won't have room - or will split you up into tables of 4, eating at slightly different times as room becomes available. (That is unless you eat at off hours - like dinner at 6 pm or something.)

And it's also likely that any group of 6 or more people will be charged an automatic tip of at least 18%. This policy will be posted on the menu.

Carmine's is not my personal favorite restaurant but it may be a great match for your needs. The portions are hugh so you can order a bunch of different entrees for all the ladies to share.

another thought: If you are in the
theatre district: www.tonysnyc.com
(peruse menu on site).

Food is served family-style. I've been to a few functions in their downstairs room & was pleasantly surprised at the palatable cuisine.
I do recommend reservations no matter where you go due to your number of gals.

I agree about Carmine's, great place for large group, dishes are brought out for the whole table, reasonable prices.