2 couples, late 20s/early 30s heading to the City for a weekend getaway- staying at the Park South Hotel on 28th and Park. Looking or recommendations for restaurants/bars to visit. We love power scene restaurants, especially those that are the new hot spots. We like asian food as well as italian and french. As far as bars go, we would like a lounge type hot spot that we could get a drink at and actually carry on a conversation, so no bars with bands playing. Also any bars/lounges in the vicinity of our hotel would be nice. thanks!

Two places I really like are The Flatiron Lounge and The Brandy Library. The former is on 19th Street and the latter is in Tribeca on North Moore.

http://www.flatironlounge.com/

http://www.brandylibrary.com/sections2007/home.htm

Power scene is probably a term that few would use these days, considering how budgets and bonuses are being slashed. In reality, the biggest power scenes are places that a regular wouldn't get a decent table (like the Four Seasons at lunch.)

In terms of places that have been, and continue to be "scenes", I'd say Balthazar on Spring Street, Da Silvano on 6th at Bleecker St, and Nobu at 105 Hudson.

The Orchard at 162 Orchard St between Stanton and Rivington is lively with very good food and it is on the Lower East Side which is very lively at night with lots of bars, clubs, etc.
www.theorchardny.com

I also like Il Buco - a lively tuscan farmhouse with great food. It's at 47 Bond Street (bet the Bowery and Lafayette - just north of Houston) in NoHo. www.ilbuco.com

Power scene restaurants that are new hot spots often require reservations weeks in advance and big $$$. How much are you willing to spend for dinner (per person with a drink or a decent wine)?

Michael's right now is at the top of the power lunch scene in New York City.

Michael's has a media power spot for
breakfast & lunch for some time
(Hi Anrew8) but if you are a mere
mortal, your table will be in outer
Siberia...and it is the people, not the cuisine that are the stars.
Cobb Salad is hyped as the best lunch offering but I was underwhelmed.

You're right around the corner from Bar Milano. Good spot for drinks and a bite (or a full dinner). Great cocktails.

I would definitely fit in a meal at Momofuku Ssam.

Spotted Pig rarely disappoints as far as "social scenes" go---especially if you go later.

I'd second recommendations for Flatiron Lounge and The Brandy Library (especially the Flatiron Lounge- I love that place).