So, whenever I travel, I like to try the food that the region is most known for, and namely food that I cannot find at home.

I love bagels, but must admit, it has been a long, long, long time since I had a bagel that made me sing. And yes, I was sooo disappointed when I learned that Noah's New York bagels, isn't really, from or in NY! Aiiyeee!

I am looking for a bagel with a crunchy or crispy outside, and a soft tender inside.

As far as pizza goes, when in NYC I only tried ray barri, and wasn't impressed. I am looking for a nice crispy thin crust with just the right amount of cheese. The type of pizza that is heavenly with just sauce and cheese.

I am also tempted to try an egg cream, but the idea of seltzer and milk makes my stomach say "no, please don't.".

So, what places get your vote for best bagel and pizza in NYC?

Without a doubt, Ess-a-bagel in the West 50s and John's Pizza on Bleecker Street (can only get a pie but well worth it). Also, if you're in Soho instead of the West Village you can try LOMBARDI'S at 32 Spring Street. Enjoy!!!

H&H Bagels - 79th & Broadway. You don't even need cream cheese!

You'll get a lot of opinions on pizza, but I love Arturo's - Thompson & Houston. It's right on the border of Soho and the Village, and you can sit outside and people watch while enjoying your coal oven pizza. There is also live music inside the restaurant.

My favorites are H & H Bagels, on Broadway at 80th Street and Grimaldi's Pizza on Old Fulton St. in Brooklyn Heights. You can follow that up with ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory on Fulton Landing a few blocks away and walk it all off by walking back to Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Either Ess-A-Bagel or H&H Bagels.

Are the workers at H&H bagels still on strike for management infringing on the rights of the employees to celebrate new holidays?

for pizza by the slice, Joe's on Carmine (near 6th av and bleecker. I personally like griamldi and John's more than lombardi's. Pick-a-Bagel has good bagels as well.

Well, I don't think any of the pizza-by-the-slice places (even the really good ones) are anything I'd actually recommend. John's on Bleecker St. is sill my favorite, and the one in Times Square is fine if you can't get downtown.

For bagels, that's harder. I'm not an H&H fan. Ess-a-bagel is good, but I've always had a soft spot for the bagels at Giant Bagel Deli on University Place at around 13th Street. They are giant, but they are also very crispy on the outside and might be what you are looking for.

I really like "Rays" pizza. Located around Radio city Music hall and another location. Check website.

I share the same feelings about the "by the slice" places as Doug. They are only good at 4 in the morning after you've been drinking all night. If I had to recommend one, it would be Famous Ben's on Spring & Thompson. I don't care much for Ray's.

I am a big girl, but sigh...I am not willing to order an entire pie...

well....maybe if they delivered to my hotel room, I might reconsider! ha!

thanks everybody! all of your suggestions will go into my to-do list for nyc! yay!

Gruppo Pizza -- 186 Avenue B. The BEST pizza in NY.

I had Gruppo for dinner last night! It's sister restaurant, Posto is also excellent. I live almost dead in the middle of both, so I tend to alternate between the two.

Bagels: H&H on both sides of town (Broadway & 2nd Avenue).

Pizza: Lombardi's, Grimaldi's, Mario Batali's Otto, Nick's, Giorgio's

Anyone who disagrees is wrong. (Ha Ha)

I am going to Giorgione on Friday night on a friend's suggestion to replace Otto where we have already dined recently. Anyone have comments on Giorgione in Soho?

Lizzie -- if you live between these two places I don't think you should consider yourself "almost dead!"

Does anyone know if an emoticon featuring a pair of eyes rolling exists?

Here's another vote for Lombardi's. Go there and then walk over to Ferrara's for dessert.

Give an egg cream a try. (If you've ever had an ice cream soda, you've already had selzter and milk.) And don't forget the chocolate! My choice for best egg cream: Gem Spa at St Marks Place (E 8th St) and Second Avenue. It's a news store with a soda fountain.

Well, I'm not a big girl and I order and eat a whole pie by myself all the time at Angelo's Coal Oven Pizza on West 57th.