Any favorite places for Sunday brunch in NYC? We will be attending something at Lincoln Center later in the day, and were thinking of a leisurely brunch somewhere on the west side, anywhere from about midtown at 55th up to or just past the Lincoln Center area itself, although we have time to taxi elsewhere if there is a real gem we should try. Type of food we'd like is fairly mainstream (but, no sushi, or oriental in general, please!): Italian, American, French, Mexican, Russian.....Pricerange: moderate to upscale is ok. Any recommendations?

Sarabeth's(Amsterdam & 80th) is the ultimate UWS brunch spot. Everything there is divine, and you can buy some of their jams to take home with you. The line will be long, and you can't reserve for less than 6 people I think, but it is worth the wait.

No matter how tired you get of waiting, don't go eat at Monaco. I made that mistake once, and suffered for it.

The Plaza Hotel's brunch is outstanding.

I love Sarabeth's, but I also love Popover Cafe. The popovers are the best. 551 Amsterdam between 86th & 87th.

Any places in Midtown east or Upper East side?

One of my favorite places is Cafe des Artistes, 1 W 67th St, (212) 877-3500. The atmosphere is very romantic with those famous murals on the wall.

Also close to Lincoln Center is Fiorello's and Cafe Luxembourg on W. 70th St.

Go downtown to The Cupping Room (French Toast stuffed with cream chease and nuts) or The Blue Ribbon Bakery. Both places worth the drive and will not charge you an arm and a leg.

Thanks very much for the brunch suggestions, everyone. We'll be there in early February, if that makes any difference.
A neighbor who's judgment I'm not always so sure about (!) also mentioned Normas, Gabriels and Firebird. Is anyone familiar with these?
Sarabeth's got multiple votes. What makes this a good choice? (Thanks, Jess, for the warning about Monaco; we will heed it!)
And the Plaza: do you mean the Palm Court or the Oak Room? I haven't been there in at least 10 years, so have no idea how it is doing.

There is no better brunch in NY than Norma's. Talk about provocative statements, but it is true.
It's not quite brunch, but Rosa Mexicano might be a good place to go. It's right across from Lincoln Center, and the food (Mexican, terrific - they make fresh guacamole at the table) is great. Here's their website: http://www.rosamexicano.com/LClunch.html

Thanks, jhm. Now for the hard part....a decision.