Hi, we will be visiting N.Y Sept12-16. Anyone know of any good Greek, italian, Thai, or Chinese restaurants? Any suggestions will be appreciated. Also what part of Central park should we visit, and has anyone stayed at the Best Western Manhattan?

I haven't stayed at the Best Western Manhattan Hotel, but I have passed by it. You'll be right near the Empire State Building and Macy's...in fact, I think the area is known as Little Korea and there are lots of Korean restaurants...if you walk up to 9th Avenue and make a right you will have a large selection of ethnic restaurants to choose from that serve very good food at reasonable prices...if you're interested in clothes shopping there's a store on the same block as the hotel named Amsterdam Boutique that sells trendy items that are not expensive...there's also a 99 cents store named Jack's on that same block that sells all kinds of things you didn't know you would want or need until you see them!

I haven't stayed at the BW Manhattan, but I do know that it's part of the Apple Core group of hotels, all are relatively modest places recently rehabbed. I have stayed at Apple Core's Comfort Inn Midtown and found it a very good value in a very convenient location.

Christine:

You might want to mention "New York City" in your header next time, since this board is for all of the United States and "First Time Visitors" doesn't tell people where you are going. You will get better responses that way ;-)

For great Italian places I recommend La Mela and IL Cortile.

My favorite Greek restaurant is called Ithaca: 48 Barrow Street (in the West Village), 727-8886. Medium priced. Appetizers are all fantastic.

Thai: there are LOTS, but we recently were turned on to a trendy little neighborhood place called Regional Thai, at 208 7th Ave. 807-9872. I think it's in the 20's. Told a friend about it and he ate there 3 times in the week he was in NY.

Chinese: fabulous, a bit higher-priced than the above -- Shun Lee, 43 West 65th St. 595-8895.

Reservations probably needed at all 3 restaurants. Have a great trip!