Lionors

I'm putting together a last-minute weekend getaway to NYC for my husband's birthday. The primary thing he wants to do is see a show, and we can only stay two nights (actually ends up being about a day and a half due to work and other commitments we can't wiggle out of.) We're leaving Friday afternoon (3/25) and returning Sunday afternoon (3/27).

Here's the deal. So far, I've got the flights and tickets to the show (Chicago, Saturday 2:00 p.m.) and I'm working on a dinner cruise for Saturday night. I *do* have a hotel reservation at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park (club level, harbor view), but I'm not sure about whether to stay there or not.

We should get in to Newark on Friday a little before 10:00 p.m. I want to make arrangements for a cab or hired car to take us to the hotel. (I know the train is cheaper, but it's going to be a long day for me, and I don't want to fumble around an unfamiliar city hauling luggage at that hour.) I assume it'll take about an hour for us to grab the bags, catch the ride, and get to the hotel. (If that time estimate is off, let me know.)

We won't have had dinner before we fly out Friday. I'd like to have dinner when we get in to the hotel, but I don't want to do room service.

I'm also debating on the room because the Ritz has a view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty (and we can stay on the club level, which makes getting breakfast before we fly out much less problematic). The other pick was the Trump.

So, here's the questions:

1. If we stayed at the Ritz-Battery Park, what recommended and reasonably upscale restaurants are close that we could go to that late at night for dinner? We're up for pretty much anything but Tex-Mex.

2. Same question for if we stayed at the Trump. I know they have an option (which sounded great) of having a sous-chef come in and fix dinner for you in the room, but I don't know how much it would be and I don't know if they'd do it that late.

3. The Trump is closer to the theater. From what I've read, it's not easy to get a cab at the Ritz-Battery, and I know they don't have a shuttle. Locationwise, the Trump's better (and has a few more amenities). However, the Ritz seems as if it has more personality, plus a good view of the harbor and the Statue of Liberty, which could be neat. Plus, we can actually stay there on the club level a little more cheaply, and have the club benefits to boot.

Given those factors and the Friday dinner, which hotel would be best for our plans?

4. We need to get from the theater (the Ambassador) to the cruise for dinner. How difficult is it to get a cab from the theater? Would I better off hiring a car and driver? Can I even do that?

Thanks for any recommendations you can provide. I've been to upstate NY several times, but never to the city, and I've never lived in the NE, so I'm sort of going on the seat of my pants here.

~Elizabeth

Patrick

I'm one who always says getting a cab after theatre is next to an impossiblility unless you are willing to push shove, and possible knock people down getting one. But actually on Saturday afternoon after a matinee, I really don't think it's that difficult at all.

I'm not much help on the other stuff, except someplace like Balthazar (not too far by taxi) would be a great late night spot for dinner on Friday, around midnight.

nytraveler

First of all - I would bag the dinner cruise. The food on any of them that I;ve heard of is quite ghastly - and I'm not sure you'll want to be out on the water in this weather at night anyway (it's warmer today - but snowed a couple of days ago). Plus the harbor can be quite choppy at times. With so many world class restaurants - why settle for mediocre or less?

As far as the hotel - I woldn;t stay so far downtown just to get a view of the Statue of Liberty - unless there are a lot of things you want to do downtown. If most of your activities will be mid or uptown I would do the Trump instead.

(If you want to see the Statue of Liberty you can get a much better view by taking the Staten Island ferry - which is free and runs every 15 minutes 24/7.)

If your plane lands on time and you take a car service to the city it should only take about 40 minutes - unless you have to wait for luggage. I do reco a car service in from Newark - since the cabs can get scarce at night.

Still - Friday night planes are notoriously late - so I would assume you probably won;t get to dinner until about midnight. Where to eat depends at least partly on which hotel you decide to stay in - you probalby won;t want to be wandering too far at 2am.

Whatever you decide to do after the theater you're better off walking - there are literally hundreds of people all trying to get the same cabs - unless your show gets out especially early or late.

You don;t mention what else you will be doing. If you give info on interests - and cuisine likes/dislikes people can provide more info.

Lionors

Thanks so much for the information and recommendations!

We're leaving at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. This is really just a turn-around trip. The main thing is just taking him to see the show. I wish it could be longer, but this is going to be the best I can do with our scheduling obligations. Sightseeing and museumhopping will need to wait until another trip.

We're flexible on cuisine, except I don't want to do Tex-Mex (we can get it here at the source, so I'd like to do something we *can't* get here.) We love seafood, we eat meat, we eat veggies and we're not at all picky about trying new stuff. But to narrow the choices on something we are guaranteed to like, recommendations for places with European or Indian cuisine would be best. (Sorry, my experience with Vietnamese and Thai is very limited.) We do like Japanese and Chinese, but I'm planning on hitting that heavily when we go to Hawaii later in the year.

If it helps, our favorite restaurant we've been (so far) was Renoir in the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I'd love to hit another similar 5-star with him in NYC.

The main thing I did want in the Friday night restaurant is for the food to be good, and for the atmosphere to be quieter/romantic, although it doesn't have to be formal. I'm willing to go fairly pricey. We've got a limited amount of time and we're not doing much else. I've got Balthazar down on the list -- thank you!

Activity-wise, we're coming in Friday night and going to the show Saturday afternoon. If we don't hit the cruise Saturday night, we'll go out to dinner. We're both way too beat to even think about trying to go out clubbing, but if we don't go to the cruise, I might think about a comedy club Saturday night. That's about it.

I checked out the menu on the cruise; it's a yacht and the menu looks really good. (It's offered through World Yacht. If you've heard anything about them, let me know.) The reason I'd thought of a dinner cruise was that we aren't going to have time to do sightseeing, and since we would be indoors, and since seasickness isn't a problem for us, I thought it sounded like something of a compromise. Plus, I thought it would be quiet and romantic.

I don't have the cruise set in stone yet, so if you have another suggestion, by all means, I'd be glad to hear it.

The Trump sounds plush and convenient, but a little...bland. We can't afford the other Ritz, unfortunately. The Ritz-Battery sounded a little more scenic, and I like club level accommodations when I have to travel in the early a.m. Much more relaxing and less of a gamble than room service can be. However, I could also call Trump and see what they've got that's similar (and more to the point, if we can afford it!) I know the Trump has kitchen areas, but no way do I want to be shopping or cooking.

For what we're planning to do, should I be trying to find bus, subway, train schedules or whatever? I'm not sure what's safe and smart (and convenient) and what isn't when it comes to getting around in that area of NYC.

Thanks again for all the help!

~Elizabeth

lisettemac

If you plan to stay at the Ritz-Battery Park, there aren't that many good restaurants that far downtown. There is (was?) a Morton's on the West Side Highway that isn't a far walk from the hotel. There is also a branch of one of my favorite places -- Les Halles -- on John Street near Broadway. It's not a far walk from the Ritz, but you might want to cab at that time of night. There are also a few good places in the Seaport.

The restaurant in the Ritz is actually quite nice. I've eaten there for lunch and always been pleased -- it is a nice atmosphere and the food is good. You might try it.

I'd agree about bagging the dinner cruise. There are better dinners and better ways to see the city, IMO.

Lionors

Hm, sounding more and more like the cruise is a bad idea. Pity. I would have liked to have done *something* sightseeish, even if it was only seeing a cityscape. But what the heck, it would be at night, anyway, so I guess we wouldn't see much, and although any chance to be near water is a plus for me, I'd rather do without it than have indigestible food.

The same people who recommended the cruise also recommended Tavern on the Green. Just on the feeler side, how is that?

I'll call the Trump and see what they've got going. In this case, convenient's probably going to be smarter than going for scenery.

Balthazar was recommended for Friday dinner. So was 2West (isn't that the restaurant in the Ritz-Battery?), and the Trump's got a good restaurant, IIRC from their literature. Seems like Friday night might just be covered. Thank you!

Although no cruise leaves us with a Saturday night and no plans. Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

~Elizabeth

Patrick

Talking about food on a dinner cruise and Renoir in Las Vegas do not belong on the same page. Maybe Olive Garden and the dinner cruise do.

I didn't bring up my negativity towards the dinner cruise, but I have to say I'd rather put nails in my eyes than go on one when there is a wonderful world of dining in New York. I was guessing there was some reason you HAD to do that cruise thing.

Want a truly great restaurant for after the matinee -- 5 star? Go to Le Bernardin, walking distance from the theatre, and the most wonderful seafood dinner you may ever have -- at wonderful huge and well spaced tables in gorgeous atmosphere with servers who are neither overbearing nor snobbish. Then you can easily catch a cab back to your hotel after dinner. Between the show and dinner, take a little stroll around Rockefeller Plaza.
This dinner, of course, is IF you can still get a reservation for next weekend.

Take the Staten Island Ferry Saturday morning past the statue of Libery, turn around and come back. That should meet your "skyline" and "tourist" fix all at once. And although I've never been, I think the Ritz Carlton at Battery Park sounds like the perfect spot!

Lionors

Patrick,

Okay, three strikes and that idea is outta there! And no, I'm not an Olive Garden fan (no slams on those folks who are.) So, thanks again, you all, for sparing me that. I would have been highly irked.

Those suggestions sounded perfect, though, and very doable. I've had to rein in all of my overplanning tendencies on this trip, but that should work just fine. I'm going to grab the phone right now and keep my toes crossed.

Believe it or not, I generally do shy away from obviously touristy things, but I thought it was kind of shame to go to the city and never get to see anything one of us might recognize, if that makes sense.

Next time, though, it's going to be museumhopping at the *very* least.

~Elizabeth

Patrick

I truly believe no one should "apologize" for doing the touristy things in a major city. Those things are famous and touristy for a reason. I personally think it would be a shame to go to New York and avoid the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, or the Empire State Building for starters. Sure it's nice to do some other things too, but avoid the "touristy" things and you'll often miss the best or most unique of what a city has to offer.

nytraveler

If someone reco'd Tavern on the Green I'm not surprised they also reco'd the dinner cruise. Both are truly awful. Mediocre (at best) food and TOG has the most ghastly service imaginable. It's only benefit is a pretty site (but at this time of year the park is brown and dreary - not to mention dark). Avoid TOG at all costs - the defiintion of tourist trap.

lisettemac

Can't believe I didn't think of this -- if you still plan to stay downtown, you can take a long walk or a very short cab ride to Tribeca (just north of the financial district) and encounter a number of *excellent* restaurants -- most better than the ones I've already recommended.

Here are a few I like: City Hall (American and a good raw bar); Le Zinc (hip, french bistro-ish); Tribeca Grill (American); Sosa Borella (casual french bistro); Salaam Bombay (Indian); Fleur de Sel (tapas). A few I've always wanted to try: Chanterelle (french); Nobu or Nobu next door (sushi & fish); Duane Park; Danube (Austrian?).

KikiLee

Patrick, with Bruni's confirmation of Le Bernadin's 4 stars in today's Times, I would be very surprised if last minute weekend reservations were still available.

Agree with Tribeca for Friday night if you decide to stay downtown - the Harrison is one of my favorites. check out www.beanstalkrestaurants.com.

GoTravel

I actually prefer to stay downtown.

For late night dining, you can't beat Blue Ribbon Bakery. You'll probably run into the chefs who have already closed their kitchens and are out for a late night bite.

I think they serve on weekends until 2AM.

Gekko

Unfortunately I had neither the time nor the patience to read the original post, much less the rest of this thread, but I did notice the mention of the Ritz in Battery Park.

I would strongly suggest another hotel, if possible. The hotel itself is beautiful, of course, and Rise is very popular, but the area surrounding the hotel is a desolate construction zone. (I was across the street from the Ritz earlier in the week and was amazed with how deserted the area was at 7pm.)

Eliza26

I think you've gotten great restaurant advice from the other posts. Balthazar is one of my favorites and Blue Ribbon Bakery always gets rave reviews. I also wanted to mention that New Yorkers eat dinner very late, comparatively, dinner hour doesn't really begin until 8 or 9, so you shouldn't have any problem finding places open late. If you want to check out the menus for any of the restaurants that you're considering, go to

http://www.menupages.com/

It will give you a good idea of prices and offerings.

mp

Well, in some ways I actually agree with Gekko (I know, I'm stunned to be writing this!)

The RC at Battery Park is removed - there really is very little close by. But I think it's a terrific hotel and getting a cab from there is very simple - the doormen will always get one for you - I've never had to wait more than a few minutes. I think a late, light dinner at the bar, Rise would be very lovely - the view is stunning, and on weekends they really try to make the bar into a scene - that might be a nice way to get your clubbing in . . . check with them to make sure they're still serving food after 11:00pm.

If not Rise, and you're willing to go out after dropping your bags, take a five minute cab ride to Tribeca, - check on the hours of The Harrison, or you could very possibly walk into Nobu Next Door (they don't take reservations) or try Le Zinc - good food by the owners of Chanterelle, good real Tribeca artists scene.

Blue Ribbon Bakery in the West Village is another wonderful idea - it's really just a 10 minute ride from your hotel when there's no traffic. You can check all the menus and hours at www.menupages.com

Balthazar is still a scene, still good food and can still be a tough reservation, especially late on a Friday. . .

Don't do the cruise - it's awful. A waste of a precious few hours. Stay downtown, walk around downtown Saturday morning after breakfast, walk up through Tribeca and Soho and the West Village, see the show, cruise around Times Square, go to some fancy midtown restaurant Saturday evening (or try for an early dinner at Gramercy Tavern or Union Square) walk some more, collapse into bed and fly out on Sunday.

Lionors

Thanks again for all the great tips!

Believe it or not, I did bag reservations at Le Bernardin for right after the theater and I can't wait to go. That'll be perfect.

Haven't been able to get through to Balthazar, although I'll keep trying. Someone else (not the same source who recommended the cruise and TOG) had recommended Angelo's of Mulberry. The restaurant at the Ritz-Battery will be closed. However, between all the options and websites suggested, I think I'll be able to find something for Friday night.

So, we're taken care of through about 8 p.m. Saturday - with the evening free!

So I guess the next question is -- what's recommended for non-clubbers on a Saturday night? (Actually, I wouldn't mind clubbing, but our tastes in music are different enough that it's generally easier not to try.)

Other than that, we're up for about anything!

One other question: what area is the Ritz-Battery in? I'm trying to make certain that I've got the right area picked when I'm searching for restaurants and the like.

Thanks again for all the help. It's very much appreciated.

~Elizabeth

goklw

I go to NYC on business 2-3 times each year. One of my top restaurants is Balthazar. A week ago I tried to stop in for a Sunday lunch of their fabulous french onion soup--not a chance 2-3 hour wait. Love the location as well in Soho--seems like it would be great area for later dinner.

parisandelle

We stayed at the RC Battery Park and had a Habour View room on Valentine's Day. We had been in NYC for 4 days prior, but our last day of actvities were all based downtown (Statue of Liberty, etc.) As others have stated, unless you are planning on doing activities in the area, I would stay elsewhere.

The night we stayed we went to see Spamalot. We took a taxi and had dinner at the Four Seasons Restaurant and then took another taxi to the Shubert Theatre. Though it was freezing and raining, we had no problems hailing taxi's. After returning to the Ritz we barely got one drink in at the Rise Bar as they close at 11:00 pm.

The first four nights we stayed at the Sofitel in an Executive Suite and it was great.

We had lots of great meals. Favorite picks were Balthazar for Sunday Brunch and the Four Seasons. We were not impressed with the River Cafe. We are heading back to NYC in a few months and can't wait to try Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern and Cafe Boulud.

mclaurie

The Ritz Battery Park is at Battery Park also considered the financial district (near Wall ST.) I'm sure it's a lovely hotel (I've never been inside) but I just can't imagine doing a quick theater trip and staying down there. It makes no sense. If you do decide to stay there, Danube is a very beautiful upscale restaurant that hasn't been mentioned that's close and serves late.
www.thedanube.net

But you're really better off staying at Trump. You can walk everywhere from there. You could get a room with a view of the park. Their restaurant Jean Georges is wonderful.

For Sat. night I would suggest going to hear some music or a cabaret act. Betty Buckley is at the Cafe Carlyle at the Carlyle hotel. She has an 8:45pm show. Tierney Sutton is at the Oak Room at the Algonquin. Or maybe go hear some jazz. Dizzy's Coca Cola is just a walk away from Trump and has great views and great jazz.