Too bad you didn't like Mama Mia.

I guess you didn't know it was an Abba concert with a thinly veiled story line.

For Abba fans it's great. For others. . . . .

I am glad I could be of assistance. It is gratifying that you saw and enjoyed some of the foods that most visitors do not experience.

Re Mama Mia, I knew it was short on story but I thought it would be upbeat and fun- and I didn't realize just how short on story it is.

But the big upside was that I did meet the young army seargant and his wife in Charley O's, and he made such an impression on me. I am going to call his wife in Lafeyyete LA and get his address and write him while he is in Iraq. I would not have gone in to Charley O's had I not been right there at Winter Garden theater. So Mama Mia was very worth it in that regard. You never know where you'll end up or who you will end up meeting in NYC. Always a surprise in store.

Auduchamp, woudl you consider adding Max Brennars to your choclate list? It is nice as it is a restaurant and you can go in and sit down to order chocolate in what form you want your fix. And they have a nice little shop in the back where you can buy their chocolates (Liz got me a box, decorated on top),hot chocolate mixes, syrups, etc.

Also for meets, consider adding Jeffrey's in Essex Market. While I was there a lovely woman came in from Long Island to buy 20 lbs of short ribs for her New Yrs Eve party. She told me she comes in to Jeffrey's every yr. to get the ribs and lox for her party. She marinates the short ribs in prune juice and a little balsamic vinegar overnight and then bakes them...I am going to try her recipe.

Great report, emd, as usual

I love that you ditched a show and found something much better to do! I'm eager to try the new chocolate place, it sounds wonderful! Just making plans now to take our three kids to NYC for a long weekend in the spring. Thanks again for a comprehensive report.

Yes, we like the meat market in the Essex market, for NYC it is extremely well priced and they are knowledgable butchers. You are right it should be added to the list.

I am not a big fan of Max Brenner's even though I am bald. I think it is fine for what they do, but there are many chocolate places that are better. While nothing is poor, the products vary from OK to very good and the staff is usually not very knowlegable.

Wow! emd, you may not realize this, but your trip was not only amazing but also very unique. I've been in NYC for many years now & although I live just blocks from the Leica gallery, I haven't made it there yet. Neither have I been to the Quantum Eye magic show.
Aduchamp's list is fantastic! It should be added to wikitravel for NYC as well. A couple of worthy additions to that list would be Grom (www.grom.it) for ice cream& gelato and Vosges for haute chocolates (http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/)
I'm on my way to the Leica gallery... Best in 2009!

Cool! Be sure to look at those 3D pictures through the glasses! WOW, I actually shared something w/a New Yorker that they didn't already know about NYC. That makes my day.

Be sure to subscribe to goldstar.com -- You'll get great notice of half price tickets to all kinds of events in your area, no matter where you live. or whereever you are going on vacation. The NYC discounts are great.

Search led me to this great thread. Wondered if the OP or anyone could add any additional feedback about the Westin Times Square? Will be traveling with #2 DD and her BF, likely her future fiance. Did the suite provide enough room, or privacy? It sounds like a good financial idea and while not likely in the room much, still need some privacy.

Also, any additional feedback on Max Brennars?

The Max Brenner's on Second Avenue at 9th St just closed.