Lionors

Based on the recommendations, I've switched us from Ritz-Battery to the Trump. I also managed to get hold of the reservations desk at Balthazar - they don't take reservations after 11 p.m., but the agent thought there was a good chance of getting in, regardless. And if not, I've got a couple of other backups planned. I think we'll be okay.

Theater and Le Bernardin on Saturday afternoon/early evening. I'm still a bit shell-shocked about getting reservations there, but I won't question Providence.

We should be back to the hotel about eightish, I'd think. I think what I'll do is just make sure we've got a suitable change, get the Friday NYT on the way in, and decide then. If nothing else, we can wander. Same for Saturday morning.

Thank you all SO MUCH for all the help! I was really worried about successfully planning something like this at the last minute in a place with which I wasn't somewhat familiar. I feel a lot more certain now and I know we're going to have a blast.

Hopefully, I can return the favor to you all in the future. Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all, and my deepest appreciation.

~Elizabeth

mclaurie

Elizabeth, Balthazar is in Soho, not anywhere near the Trump Hotel and there are tons of places right near the Trump Hotel. I'd honestly not suggest trekking down to Balthazar on Fri night on the chance you'll get in. Brasserie 8 1/2 might be a good idea. Jean Georges inside Trump is wonderful. Picholine, Gabriel and Asiate (in the Mandarin Oriental) are all good nearby.

Don't be so surprised about the Le Bern reservation. You're eating dinner very early for a Sat. night in NY. You'll be out by8 when the place starts getting busy. Not trying to dishearten you, just trying to explain why I think you were able to get in.

If music is not appealing for the rest of the evening, what about a comedy club?

Patrick

McLaurie, I'm not sure if any of those places you mentined take reservations for AFTER 11, but I know most of them don't. In fact most won't have seating after 11. Brasserie 8 1/2? I don't think so, but believe Brasserie does. Red Eye Grill? Possibly.

Balthazar is now a long way to go from Trump, but there's a reason they don't do reservations after 11 -- you can usually get in then. In fact that's the only time I've eaten there -- after shows downtown, and have never had a problem getting in after 11, usually on Friday or Saturday night.