Several ladies and I will be in New York in May and We would appreciate any information on inexpensive resturants5 that are located in the Theater District. Lunch in the l5-20 range and dinner in the 20-40 range. Also suggestion for a deli, or breakfast cafe. We will be staying at The Belevedere. Thank your for any suggestions.

For lunch I'd head to Becco on 46th Street with its unlimited trio of pastas served from pans tableside and if you like, a super antipasta (mainly seafood) starter. Or you could do dinner there instead and maybe do some sharing for lunch at Ruby Foo's -- a great variety of dishes and meant to share. You won't go away hungry and it is quite reasonable if you avoid some of the very pricey dishes. Why pass up either Stage Deli or Carnegie Deli for breakfast? Need more? Joe Allen's, especially if you can hold out till after theatre is great and you are just likely to see someone like Nathan Lane at the next table. You need to call exactly one week ahead for reservations. Their American "bistro" type food is very good and especially reasonable, and the brick "basement" sort of interior has a real buzz about it. Virgil's Real BarBQ is a tremendous bargain and a treat if you like BarBQ. I consider myself almost an expert and I think it's one of the best anywhere and that includes the great ones of Kansas City, Texas, and North Carolina.

Here's a second for Becco's. We have sponsered a group dinner there each year for the last 4 years. Always a big hit. The pastas are great.

Patrick, Bennie,Thank you for your help with New York resturants. I really appreciateyour suggestions. We love Pasta and will surely try Becco.

If you're going to Becco for lunch on a matinee day (Wednesday or Saturday), definitely call now for reservations (212-397-7597). Becco would also easily fit your stated budget for dinner. Definitely call for dinner reservations now as well!