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2-08-02 arrive nyc 9:00
stay- michaelangelo hotel
shop, shop, shop!!!
dinner- le bernadin,nobu, suggestions?
2-09-02 shop, shop, shop!!!
night time- comedy club, please suggest the best.

if this helps, we ages 30-45, ready for a great time, money is not the # 1 factor, because we have so long to save. p.s. this trip is our reward to ourselves for reaching our weight watchers goals.

Good thing you're shopping cuz it's gonna be COLD in NYC in February!!

If shopping is your thing, don't forget to stop in at Loehmann's.

Marlena

thanks marlenA ! Can you offer any other suggestions? Restuarants? Any comment on the Michaelangelo Hotel? We're not worried about the cold, it's cold in North Carolina in February. Trust me, it will Not be cold to us!

Definitely go to Le Bernardin-it is THE best FRENCH seafood rest. in the world- we have been twice--the last 2 times we've been up to NY--EVERYTHING IS TERRIFIC and the service is wonderful-make reservations at least 30 days ahead of time. It is quite expensive-Approx.$200 per couple plus tip and drinks

If you like italian, don't miss Il Mulino. Book well in advance. The best Italian restaurant I have ever been to. Definately not cheap though.

For comedy, I went to Gotham which was good.

Michaelangelo Hotel looks really nice. I've never stayed there, but was there for a work conference..the lobby is fabulous and the location is great 7th Ave and 51st or 50th. central.

I've never been to LeBernadin, but Nobu is amazing..the best, freshest sushi and the ambience was very nice and relaxing.

I can give you some brunch recommendations: French Roast on 11th and 6th is really good (the croque monsieur is yummy) and Bubbys on North Moore and Hudson is really good. It's owned by Harvey Keitel, and last time I was there,I saw Robert DeNiro!

good luck...dee

Nobu would be ideal if you like sushi and Japanese food--very healthful, and I assume you don't want to undo your accomplishments! Get on the phone two months in advance to make reservations (just getting through is tough) or try Next Door Nobu, alittle easier to get into but the same/similar menu.

I'm afraid I have to disagree with Dee in her recommendation of French Roast; I've found the food mediocre at best, and it has some of the worst service in the city (would-be models/waitresses yak in the corner and ignore their customers).

Let us know what you're looking for in restaurants and shopping, and we can offer suggestions. However, sounds like you should head to Century 21 across from the World Trade Center, one of the best places for designer discounts.

you could easily undo all your hard work with one meal at il mulino.

i'd stick with nobu, it's the perfect oasis in this maddening city!

make sure you order the miso roasted cod. it's heavenly. or, better yet, let the chef pick the food for a set price.

believe it or not, it's actually easier sometimes to get into nobu than into next door nobu (with no reservation).

for shopping, i would head to nolita and the lower east side to find up and coming designers.

i don't know the michaelangelo, but why don't you try the hudson hotel? it's young and hip, and supposedly the rooms are very reasonable. you'll definitely have fun there.

I suggest Nobu but I think they will only grant reservations 1 month ahead.

I have a hard time believing that North Carolina is as cold as NYC in February!! You never know what the weather will belike.

The best comedy club will be the one with the best guests on the night you attend. You can check Carolines, Comic Stip, Comedy Cellar, Boston Comedy Club. It may also depend on what neighborhood you plan to be in.

I believe Next Door Nobu takes some reservations now.

thank-You everyone for the suggestions. I am in charge of planning this trip, so I want it to be as special as possible. Especially for the two that have never visited NYC. My sister & I have been before, but the other two will be in awe! I did book the hotel, Michaelangelo, a studio suite for $355 per night, normally $535.00, not bad when split 4 ways. Two king beds, 575 sq ft, absolutly gorgous. I'll rant or rave about it when we return.

Nobu is my choice, but the others may be a little squimish. I haven't decided on the nice dinner yet- still open for suggestions.

We will definitely check out Century 21 for shopping.

Mike, according to the weather channel, these are the facts;
Kinston,NC Coast NYC
avg lo 31 26
mean 43 34

We are women, Mike, not girls. we will be fine. As for unpredictable, does Fran, Bertha, or Floyd ring a bell?

Cindy, as a fellow NC, I say: you go, girl!!!

As someone who successfully completed WW's program, I give you total congratulations and wish you and your friends an awesome time in NYC.

My family and I will be driving through Kinston on our way to Atlantic Beach on Sunday, and I promise that I will shout a hello as we go through!!!

Best regards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a great time Paige. The weather is going to be great this week.

I know every night is probably a hectic restuarant night in New York, but I'm thinking that Saturday is a more relaxing, less hectic night to go out for dinner. Am I wrong? Also, because of the theatre, are certain times less crowded?

Cindy, if your friends aren't sushi/sashimi eaters, they can still have a great meal at Nobu, which is is also known for its superior cooked seafood (like that black cod w/miso). It sounds as if Nobu is more your speed than Le Bernadin, which is said to be quite formal in feeling, and some people say it feels stuffy, more suited to business.

BTW, your suite at the Michelangelo is about 200 sq. ft. larger than my Manhattan apt. (which I share with my s.o. and two cats!).

Caitlin: Thank-you for all the information you have offered me. I'll use it and let you know how our adventure goes. I would love to go to LeBernadin, but we can't do both, and I have this strange "Iron Chef" thing going on. Am I the only one that finds that show interesting? Besides my 13 year old son?

Sorry about mentioning the square footage of our room. I was hoping someone would chime in with, " that's a great price! What a deal you got!

We decided that we would go with a very special place, because we definitely don't live that way . I can live economically here at home.

Caitlin: Just read your response to "shopping in New York." You are a wealth of information and good ideas! Are you originally from New York? From your tone, I'm guessing that you somehow work in the arts.

Cindy, your trip sounds like great fun. NYC is such a wonderful place to go. I meet for 3 days the first week in Dec with 3 girlfriends (we're a bit older 45-50) every year. You seem set with your hotel, but for the record we stay at the Salisbury Hotel and a suite is much cheaper- maybe $275. The staff is warm and accomodating which you don't get everywhere. You might enjoy taking in a performance at the Lincoln Center as something a little unique. We've yet to experience a bad restaurant...and don't overlook the classics such as the Russian Tea Room. Also, shopping on Canal Street is great for knock offs. Have fun!

Pam,

Your suggestion of Lincoln Center is a great idaea, one I hadn't thought of, I will definitely look into it. About the age range, I hold up the the ceiling of that range, I will be 44 when we make the trip . The others are 41, 34, and 30. The bottom line is, I will love New York no matter what. I want them to have the experiece of a lifetime, and be left with the wonder of the city. I'm not sure those of you that live there fully appreciate the enery you fill when you are there. It's so energizing! I will keep the Salisbury Hotel in mind for future trips. My son Joe,13, told me a month ago that he had no interest in going to a "city." Now, it's " Can I go with you mommy?" He see's my excitement in planning this trip. Thank-you.

Cindy, sounds like you guys are going to have a great time while you are here.

I just wanted to add a couple of things to your list. Macy's in Feb you should also get some good deals and the store will wow the crowd.

Also in the 34th St area Daffys is a must and Bolton's.

You also might think about Little Italy or Chinatown for a fun dinner and siteseeing. Oh or the dinner cruise around the harbour, the view of the city is amazing.

Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall are both worth looking into for concerts and special events.

You might also look into one of the Spa's in the city for an afternoon.

You are right about the weather, it will be chilly here, so bundle up and have a great time.

Thanks Ann,

I have considered Little Italy and Chinatown, and I will still. Thanks for all of your encouragement. I would like for us to have some down time, so I'm a little leary of planning every minute for them. We only have three days.