I've read about restaurant week in New York. Is it still on? And when? We're going to be in New York between 3rd and 8th February 2005 - is it on then?

Betty, from:

http://www.nycvisit.com/content/inde...TOKEN=99414064

Winter Restaurant Week will be
January 24-28 and January 31-February 4, 2005

More than 100 of the city's best restaurants will offer
three-course prix-fixe lunches ($20.12) and dinners ($35.00).

I'm curious where that extra 7 cents came from. I thought they always did the lunch price based on the year -- so in 2005 it would be $20.05. Have they gotten greedy and really made it $20.12???

Perhaps the 12 cents is a reference to New York's bid to host the Olympics in 2012. That would be my guess.

Thanks for the info on Restaurant Week - we might be able to have one or two meals - should we try to book in advance? Have you any tips for restaurants anywhere near the theatre district where we'll be staying?

Yes, the $20.12 has to do with the Olympic bid. The participating restaurants won't be listed until Dec 20th.

Every restaurant week I go to Gramercy Tavern (sometimes twice!) and Blue Smoke. (I've also done RW meals at City Crab, Avalon, Mesa Grill, Blue Water Grill, Thalassa...all quite good.) Gramercy Tavern does not take reservations for its tavern room...you just have to show up right at opening time (noon) and you'll get a seat. Best deal in the city. Blue Smoke (barbecue) does take reservations. It's a large restaurant, so you can usually get a table without reserving unless you're in a large group.

The thing about restaurant week is that you have to order the 3-course meal from the "restaurant week menu" to get the deal. And many restaurants will only offer 2 appetizers, 3 entrees, and 2 desserts. So you may be stuck if you don't like these. Gramercy Tavern (gotta love them) offers about 7 of each course.

Definitely make reservations in advance. The good ones--like Grammercy Tavern--fill up fast.

I never would have figured out that $20.12 for the Olympic bid. Thanks for the info. So does the extra 7 cents go into a fund or something?

It looks like you'll only have one day of the special week, betty8, but take heart. Some restaurants continue that lunch special year round. I know Gotham Bar and Grill (one of my favorites) always has offered that lunch special throughout the year.

betty, to chime in on what Patrick said, I've found most of the restaurants offer the restaurant week prix fix special all year long.

Many thanks for all the info. We can't wait to see New York. Does anyone have any info on helicopter sightseing - We'd love to see New York from the air - that's if the weather isn't too bad in February!