eks - Thank you for the guidance on time to allow for the airport. I thought 2:00 was about right, but couldn't remember how long the trip to LGA was from midtown and didn't want to get to the airport too early.

We'll stick to the plan and be back at the hotel of 2:00. Check out time is before that, but the current plan is to check out and store the luggage at the hotel while we do a few last day things. I hope we'll get lucky and the hotel won't be booked for Tuesday night so that we can get a late or 2:30 check out.

<<12:30 – Lunch at Bryant Park Café/Grill>>

I've eaten there a couple of times and was not impressed with the food or service. It has a great location but sorry the food is not great.

I liked the River Cafe though, the views were lovely and the food very nice.

For rooftop bars, the Lodge at Gallow Green at the McKittrick is unusual and interesting, not for the views but the place itself, cocktails are great, have not eaten there but been there a few times for drinks. Might be out of your way though.

Other cocktail bars that might appeal to you:
Attaboy - no menu but they ask you what you like and they create a cocktail for you
The Wayland
Press Room at Kimpton Ink48, stunning views
Employees Only - great place for small bites & cocktails

Odin - Nice to have a 1st hand take on BP Cafe/Grill. The reviews were mixed. I'll plan for lunch elsewhere in the area. I did see the Lodge, but I really wanted the view. Attaboy looks great, but its location in proximity to our hotel makes it unlikely that we'll make it this trip since only one night is not committed to the theater. The Press Room was originally on my short list, but I read that they frequently have private events. I'll call when we're there to check availability. Thanks all the great suggestions!

No to BP Grill. What about sushi for lunch--that is well represented in midtown.

Or BG, inside Bergdorf Goodman? Could not ask for better people watching. Expensive but would be q quintessential NYC experience, with good food, too.




http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/categ...enu2015-16.pdf

BG would be great! I wanted to do a high tea, but there just isn't enough time. BG and Pembroke Room at the Lowell were on my short list. I love the idea of just doing lunch there, and so convenient to the Frick Collection.

If I'm vetoed, can you recommend a good lunch sushi spot in east midtown? We are almost ALWAYS in the mood for sushi!

Sushi Yasuda would be my pick. One of the best; in the East 40s, off Third Avenue.

EKS - Sushi Yasuda is only open for dinner on Sat., which is the day we'll be in that area for lunch. Your second choice?

In looking at the Sushi restaurants in that general area, and there are MANY, the most highly regarded ones are not open for Sat. lunch. Looks like BG may be the best choice. Any other suggestions? The only thing that concerns me about BG is that we will be dressed fairly casual during the day. I have a stubborn case of plantar fasciitis (TMI?) and I will likely be in athletic shoes during the day.

Don't worry about the shoes.

Will get back to you about the sushi. Would recommend Hatsuhana or Sushi Ann, but they are both closed Saturday lunch.

Maybe we need to shift from sushi to something else for that meal...

I'm thinking the same. I think we'll be looking for something on the lighter side since we are having a larger dinner. We love to eat, but aren't big eaters. The biggest problem I've had in searching for Saturday lunches is that so many of the restaurants are offering brunch, and I'm really looking for a light, quick-ish bite. With a 6 or 6:30 dinner on the schedule, two or three appetizers between us would likely be sufficient. Additionally, it's likely we'll be grazing along the way (chocolates, pastries, macaroons, etc.). We'll probably make a pit stop at the Plaza Food Hall for goodies. =)

It does seem that the options are limited for Saturday lunch (I also hate brunch).
And given that you are having dinner on the early side, I agree about the appetizers being enough. You could have a few things at the Plaza food hall, or get a salad or something light at BG, which would be a classic NY experience.

Another option would be Ma Peche. This is a David Chang restaurant just west of Fifth in the 50s. Their pork buns are legendary and they are on the brunch menu, along with other non-brunchy things. The food is interesting and creative. I live in midtown and honestly, this is one of the only places that I can walk to that I frequent with some kind of regularity. (By this I mean just a few times a year, since we usually eat further downtown if we go out)

Take a look and see if it appeals to you. They are also famous for their cookies, from their Milk Bar bakery. You can dress any way at all.

https://mapeche.momofuku.com/mapeche/menu/brunch/

Great suggestion. The menu looks perfect with several offerings of small plates. Will offer DD the option of Ma Peche and BG.

We will probably be in jeans and athletic shoes, but no sloppy t-shirts or yoga wear, will this be okay for BG on a Sat?

I hate brunch as well.