It is a very comfortable classic French Bistro with very good food. In the East Village, even in the more expensive restaurants, casual dress is the norm.

Some of my other favorite French bistros in the East Village are the Flea Market and Casimir both have a more of a East Village crowd with a noisier atmosphere and although they are cheaper they are not as elegant.

Thanks. I think we at least have Trattoria Toscana and Lucien as two of our choices, and maybe the Red Cat, too. I might have a couple of more questions, and I appreciate the input, since work has precluded me from doing my usual over-planning for this trip.

We have dinner reservations booked now at:

Trattoria Toscana on Carmine St.
Lucien on First Ave.
North Square Restaurant & Lounge on Waverly Place

Keeping a couple of nights open.

Red Cat still high on the list

Rooftop bars also await our visit!

Tom, when do y'all depart for NYC? And do you like Chinese? (food, silly, food!)

I have never eaten a bagel, NYC in December - I will try a bagel or two or three And James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave - thanks for the tip rncheryl, I will look and see if it is still on for our trip.

Tom, to ensure a reservation at Red Cat, I recommend you use opentable.com or call them at 212-242-1122 no later than four weeks before you want to dine there.

Happy to see Trattoria Toscana on your list; we really enjoyed it. Had a really terrific dinner Saturday night at Scarpetta at Ninth Avenue and 14th Street. Tom Colicchio's cooking was outstanding.

One other thing: If you want to combine a visit to any restaurant in that neck of the woods with a walk on the High Line, be aware that the High Line closes at 10 p.m.

Sorry, make that Scott Conant at Scarpetta. We're headed to Colicchio & Sons this Saturday.

Sadly, stop spreading the news. I have been hospitalized for more than a week, and our trip had to be reluctantly canceled. If they ever figure out what is wrong with me we might try later in the year or next spring. It's been a very frustrating two weeks.

Sorry to hear this, Tom. Hope you feel better and are back on the road soon.

Oh No! I was thinking of you while I was in NYC over the Labor Day weekend...I was doing restaurant "recon" in Chelsea for you!

I just posted my trip report, if you want to check it out.

Maitais in the drip line, Tom! Hope you're hale & hearty again very soon.

Hope you are better quickly.

Fortunately, NYC will still be here. Get well soon!

Oh no! What a blow! Swift recovery and then you can take up where you left off. Best wishes.

Yes, more good wishes, hope they find out what's wrong, get well soon and NY will be waiting for you!

Oh no! Tom, I'm so sorry to hear that (mostly for Tracy, who probably has to listen to you whine all day).

Really, wishing you an accurate diagnosis and speedy recovery!

{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}
Paula

What a bummer.... and NYC was just gearing up. Does your problem have anything to do with the accident you had while chasing your dog? Whatever, I hope you're back on your feet soon!

Sending healthy thoughts your way. Please keep in touch!

Tom, so sorry u're not well. Hope they figure it all out soon and you're on the road again soon. Take care

In researching for my Spring '11 trip to NYC,I came across this wonderful thread, with so many fabulous ideas. But I'm SO sorry to hear you had to cancel your trip, Tom. What a bummer for you and your family, with all your great planning for the trip. But I do hope you're better soon, and starting your re-planning for New York trip.