DD and I are heading to Lincoln Center Friday night. Hoping for light meal and a glass of wine before that.. We will probably stay about an hour or so and head out. Nothing too expensive, thinking about $50 for a few apps and 2 glasses of wine. Ideas?

Maybe check out famous chef Daniel Boulud's two eateries across the street from Lincoln Center ... Boulud Sud and Bar Bolud ... these are not tapas places but do serve small dishes if you wish.

http://www.danielnyc.com/barboulud.html
http://www.danielnyc.com/boulud_sud.html

Excellent recommendations by Bill_H.

Should have mentioned that part of this Boulud eatery is Epicerie Boulud, which serves smaller plates, has a wine bar and is probably more what you had in mind ... all of these are together across from the Center.

http://www.danielnyc.com/epicerie.html

I've never dined here (we just wandered by one afternoon) but we did have dinner at Chef Boulud's flagship restaurant "Daniel" on the other side of Central Park. He's one of five chefs in NYC with highest ratings from Michelin (3 stars) and the NY Times (4 stars) and these more casual places get good ratings as well.

Just to clarify and amplify Bill_H's recommendations, Bar Boulud is on the east side of Broadway, just south of 64th Street. Épicerie Boulud is next door on the southeast corner of 64th and Broadway, and Boulud Sud is next door to it on the south side of West 64th.

Are they going to get out of there with a few apps and wine for $50?

The problem isn't getting out -- it's getting in!

Boulud Sud: Two small plates @ $10 + two glasses of wine @ $10 = $40; With tax and 20% tip, about $52. Close enough?

Just had lunch at Boulud Sud this week and was very underwhelmed with the food. If you like pate, I think you"ll do better at Bar Boulud both pricewise and with food choices. Another idea is apps/dim sum at Shun Lee.
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/shun-lee/menu

Two is not a few

I second mclaurie's suggestion of the Dim Sum at Shun Lee. It's fun, delicious, and within your price range.

Thanks you! We have a 600 reservation at Bar Boulud! We had to opt for the communal table but it could be very interesting. Thanx and stay tuned for a mini trip report next week.