Looking for a very special lunch place (not brunch) for a Sunday in February before a play...Mother/Daughter day and would like it to be memorable - can be fancy, absolutely. Thanks!

Two excellent choices within walking distance of the theater district:
*Le Madeleine (West 43rd, just east of Ninth Avenue)
*Bryant Park Grill (in back of the NY Public Library at 42nd street and Fifth Avenue)
I don't know if I'd call the experience at either "memorable," but you'll have an excellent meal at both places.

Don't know how old your daughter is but if she is young you could try American Girl
They have lunch or afternoon Tea!
609 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street, New York, NY 10017
1-877-AG PLACE

http://www.americangirlplace.com/agp_ny_cafe.php

Thos suggestions were great - both Le Madelein and BP Grill look wonderful, thank you. I was almost looking for even more of an occasion place (we don't get into NYC as much as we should) near the theater district - I'm the daughter and I'm 36 so American Girl is out (but I have passed that along to a friend, so thank you Lpk!)...how are the restaurants at The Algonquin Hotel for brunch? Any other suggestions? Thanks again for being so helpful....

Hi! When we see shows, my mother and I always go to Le Rivage on "Restaurant Row." It's not extravagant but so cozy and friendly, like a little bit of France in the middle of New York. We always have a wonderful time there. The web site is at http://lerivagenyc.com/media/websitelerivage.html

The Algonquin is not bad, but will not be anything memorable. My two previous suggestions would be better.
Another option in the theater district is Orso on West 46th Street.

Howard, of the two I like Le Madeleine from the websites but which of the two do you recommend?

Artisanal, Barbetta, Gramercy Tavern, Molyvos....what type of food woulod you like?

Most places serve "brunch" on a Sunday. You don't have to order egg things, but it's generally called brunch.

Aquavit is the fanciest I can think of (with good food) nearish the theater district. Chez Josephine could be nice too.

nantucketgirl, I would definitely go with Le Madeleine, and ask for the garden room. It will make your day even special.
(mclaurie, I didn't recommend Chez Josephine--which is my favorite--because Jean-Claude Baker often isn't there for Sunday brunch. And, it's just not the same without him.)

Everyone - thanks so much for your wonderful suggestions...Howard R. - I did go to Le Madeleine and was able to (barely, I was lucky) get into the Garden room - and the ambiance was so NY, so different than the direction I was going to go for (probably too touristy) and just perfect in every way. The food was terrific and I want to thank you for taking the time to make such a memorable suggestion - it made for a truly wonderful pre-theater experience and it's appreciated!!

Glad to be of help!

My daughter (24) and I have enjoyed having brunch and lunch at Cafe des Artistes, followed by a walk in the park - I know some think it is old school and not as great as it used to be but we still love it - I enjoy the food, and love the decor and that it is quiet and we can talk.

http://www.cafenyc.com/cafedesartistes/html/index2.htm

oops, just saw this was for before a play - well, nix the walk and that would mean a cab -
we also like Remi's - which you can walk to the theater from.

ttt

A great "event" place in midtown is Milos - the finest sophisticated Greek cuisine in the city (maybe the country).

After following this thread, my husband and I wound up having lunch at Orso (322 W. 46th St., at 8th Ave.) last Saturday before a play. It was indeed a very good meal.

I appreciate the chance to "piggyback" on these good suggestions!

My husband and I just had Sunday lunch with friends at the Park Avenue Cafe at 100 E. 63rd Street. It isn't close to the theater district, but we enjoyed it thoroughly: It's a bright spot on a rainy day, and the food is very good.