ekscrunchy

For Mexican food prepared authentically go to FONDA in the East Village.

topeater

We like to rent a rowboat after brunch or lunch at the boathouse. Sounds like the 2 of you are active, so that might be something to do. We also like to rent bikes to ride around Central Park. it's a great way to see more of the park.

AussieHubbyWife

Thanks for the Mexican recommendation..

Love both ideas for Central Park, especially renting bikes.. Do you know whether we need to get dressed up for lunch at the Central Park Boathouse? I'm thinking clothes for bike riding and general exploring of Central Park might not be suitable - what do you think?

ekscrunchy

You do not have to dress up, at all, to eat there.

doug_stallings

The Boathouse is primarily a tourist destination so no need to get dressed up, especially for lunch. They used to have the bike rentals right there, but with Citibike I don't know if that's the case any longer.

ekscrunchy

Aussie: Fonda has a location in Chelsea as well. The restaurant is very well regarded by Mexicans who visit NYC, including some in the "food world" i that country.

If you want to go high end, with prices to match, the place to go would be COSME. The chef is one of the best regarded in Latin America and his flagship in Mexico City (Pujol) has landed on the list of "world's best restaurants" from the San Pellegrino group. I am not sure that the price/value ratio is very good, but the duck carnitas have garnered raves.

http://ny.eater.com/2014/12/16/73976...enrique-olvera




http://fondarestaurant.com/

We do not excel in Mexican food in NYC, as has been mentioned. (While we have some pretty good places, we do better with the cuisine of other nations; I say this as someone who has spent a lot of time in Mexico) Most places try to cook generic Mexican, with dishes from various regions of the country, tamed for North American palates.

There are other options which would be patronized by local Mexican immigrants, where the food would be even more authentic, and where the ambience would be very plain and the prices cheap, but most of those are out of the way, requiring a trek by subway.

POMAH

When in Brooklyn, you could go to Coney Island, eat at Grimaldi's, take a dive off the pier, lose $20 on a carnie game for a toy which costs $2, smoke weed under the boardwalk;
Walk over to Brighton Beach and tell the Russians how much you love Putin, drink Vodka with pelmeni, and go into Gourmanoff for a free tasting of black caviar.

stoweflake

I do have to add my two cents. It's seems a shame that you are coming all the way and not see some of the many wonderful museums the city has to offer or even the new york public library main branch. The Witney in Chelsea or Maybe the museum of natural history and planetarium are amazing. Many of the museums have special exhibits and you could go to their website and see what is available for when you visit. For smaller museums, I love the Rubin near 14th street with dinner Rossopomodormo for dinner. I think you might also like the new Coopers Hewlett museum on 9th. They have a nice lunch there and it's across the street from central park. Also for a last minute discounted show try the app todaytix
For a second try try off broadway or the Joyce theatre.

I'll be going to Saint Patrick's for Easter and brunch in that area. Have fun.

travelottie

I would stop to at least see Grand Central Terminal or perhaps join a tour. It is on Free Tours By Feet list which darlenef17 mentioned. It has an interesting history which you could easily look up to find out if it would interest you.

Second the recommendation for main branch of public library. Check out exhibits for your dates. It's free, manageable size if you don't care for huge museums, and another great building.