Manahattan Dec.24-28: What's open (and riveting)?
 

Arriving late on Dec. 24 at UN Plaza Hotel in the east 40s; Christmas dinner with my brother and family in Washington Square and NOTHING else planned.

Can anyone suggest: Best bets for reasonable mid-town restaurants -- French, fusion, whatever? And what seasonal activities or events should we sample?

Four years since our last visit and I anticipate our knowledge of NYC is already out of date. We like: wandering, museums, theatre, concerts.

Always spend a half-day at the Metropolitan; I suspect MOMA will be overrun...

I've left this all terribly late and now have little time for research -- so all aid is welcome.

My first Christmas in New York I was alone. I walked the streets and cried a lot, homesick. I was invited to a dinner later that day. But when I look back on it now, I realize how beautiful the city was on that Christmas day. And it was the most deserted I have ever seen the city.

Ted, that neighborhood (UN Plaza) is not really known for it's culinery excellence and I'm sure you know midtown is not the place to find "reasonable." But there are a few standouts. L'Impero is a terrific, beautiful Italian in the area (expensive). Marichu is
Spanish tapas, moderate prices. Diwan is very good Indian. Riingo is a relatively new Asian in the Alex Hotel. It's sushi and Japanese-American so not really fusion. Hard to get in I think. Sumile is supposed to be the best asian fusion.

http://newyorkmetro.com/urban/guides...sianfusion.htm

The closest fusion (Thai/French)place I can think of is Vong which is a bit tired IMO, It was one of the first and hasn't kept up. What I do really like is Le Colonial (Vietnamese/French) but it's on 57 st so not quite so close.

There's a small bistro called Jubilee on east 54 st specializing in mussells if that interests you. It's very good. The Beekman Tower Hotel which isn't too far from you has a rooftop bar/rest. with excellent views, live piano. The Shelburne Murray Hill hotel also has a roof top place with great burgers.

As to seasonal stuff, you'd be best reading here

http://newyorkmetro.com/urban/guides/holidays/

57th street certainly isn't too far to go for dinner -- thanks, mclaurie for all the suggestions. And to CalGirl for the reminiscences.

Since you've been in the Met neighborhood ...have you visited the Frick at 70th St.? wonderful place. Also a relatively new gallery ....Neuw Gallery at 86 and Fifth.(In a gorgeous old mansion.) Veddy Viennese with a cafe that gets raves. (If you're not counting calories -:)

If you get to MOMA when it opens at 10:30, you shouldn't have too much of a wait. Remember that it's closed on Tuesdays.