In April, we will be making our first visit to NY. We will just happen to be there when my daughter turns eleven. Could someone suggest a "cool" place to take her for dinner (or other) that would make her birthday in NY even more memorable? Thanks

You will never be at a shortage for restaurants in NY. There are tons and tons of them especially on the upper east and upper west sides and the village. Anyone will do. Of course there's always Hard Rock Cafe & Planet Hollywood on 57th street but not unique to NY. Tavern on the Green in Central Park might be fun but I've heard the food is not that good there. The only people who eat there are tourists who probably don't need to be persuaded to come back a second time because of the good food. Their visit is a one time thing. Try eating a type of food that you can't typically get in your neck of the woods. There's Thai, Malaysian, Indian, Ethiopian, Afghan, Vietnameses, Hungarian, Czech, German, Middle Eastern and more! It's fun to pick a type of food and then try it.

What activity do you have planned for the day?

eleven year old girls are so easy! Just kidding. I would go for either the Fashion Cafe (owned by the supermodels) or Jekyl & Hydes. You will need a reservation for both. You could also consider a lunch cruise on the World Yacht or spirit of New York (cheaper for lunch than dinner). Any other questions on how to amuse her, just e-mail me. ebk

We ate at Tavern on the Green and saw some young children celebrating birthdays and they looked bored stiff...and the food was not good at all, although the atmosphere was wonderful, particularly the patio...gorgeous. How about a carriage ride through Central Park...expensive, but fun, and she'll never forget it. The restaurant on top of the World Trade Center, I think it's Windows of the World, was good and no end of views.

Laura, Page 121 of my NY Access guidebook features kid friendly restaurants. They are: Barking Dog Luncheonette, Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Hard Rock, Harley Davidson Cafe, The Jekyll & Hyde Club, Main Street, Planet Hollywood, Serendipity, Two Boots, and Virgil's BBQ. This is an excellent guidebook with loads of info for big and little kids. Good Luck