I'm running the NYC marathon on Sunday. I also was lucky enough to gain a $200 "restaurant gift"(basically a $200 credit on my work american express that is supposed to be used for a dinner). I figured that nothing would be better than to celebrate the end of my marathon like a big celebratory meal out in NYC. So - there will be 3 of us in total and we'd like to stay around the $200 mark - we can go over, but we don't want to go much over. We are open to almost all areas and most types of food like - seafood or a steakhouse or traditional american or asian. BUT - one thing we want is a great NY atmosphere -I'd like a fun, social place - not a romantic dinner setting but also not a sports bar setting - something trendy, fun, hip, and oh so NY! Does anyone have any ideas???

Siems

sorry no suggestions - just wanted to wish you good luck.

The first place that came to mind was TAO on 58th st., Pan Asian, trendy, sexy, hip etc. But some place in the meatpacking district (Vento, Spice Market) or elsewhere downtown would also fit the bill. Where are you staying and how old are you?

Tao is a good suggestion. I might also suggest someplace like Balthazar. While it not as hot as it was in say 1998, it's still a fairly popular French Bistro.

I also like Da Silvano on 6th Avenue in the West Village. Really good Northern Italian and a fairly popular celebrity spot (without the usualy attitude to match.)

Chez Josephine on 42nd St., just west of 9th Ave. Great fun and excellent food. And, $200 should be just about right for the 3 of you. Make reservations now!

Siems, are you a regular marathoner, or is this your first? Just asking - if it's your first or second or so you may not be up for anything other than huddling under the covers and room service. If you're a regular 26.2'er, please pardon my post... either way, best of luck!

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Someone else mentioned TAO (also saw it on Sex and the City and thought it looked cool). It sounds great - I'm 25. The rest of the gang is 27 and 55. What is the dress code like at TAO? Do you think we are within price range?

See taorestaurant.com for menu & prices. It really depends on what you order/how much you eat and drink. An appetizer, entree & a drink or 2 will be right around your $66 per person.

It's full of trendy, beautiful people (or at least it was at one time).