Trying my question again -- hopefully some New Yorkers will be "tuning in" later today.

Any suggestions for meals -- dinner or breakfast, say mid 40's to mid 50's, Madison/Lexington or 6th Avenue?

We have tickets for a June Saturday evening performance at Lincoln Center (not the PR parade date). We are staying at the Metropolitan on Lexington. Any suggestions on a place to stop for coffee/cake or beer/sandwich on our way back to the hotel from the performance?

We haven't stayed in this area before, so any suggestions on restaurants in general for breakfast or a light pre-performance dinner are also very welcome.

Thanks.

You may not be getting any responses, because your title doesn't relate to your request! The 40s to mid-50s is not upper Manhattan, but mid-Manhattan!
I assume you realize that it's over one mile back to your hotel from Lincoln Center. One suggestion for a stop on your way back from there is Carnegie Deli on 7th Avenue, between 54th and 55th.
You have a wide choice of coffee-shop type places for breakfast in your hotel area.
If you want to splurge on dinner, the Four Seasons is on East 52nd, between Park and Lexington.

MHS, there are so VERY many restaurants within the 20 block or so area you mention. I'm sure there are plenty of Manhattanites here who can make some recommendations to you, but a few off the top of my head are:

The Brasserie - 53rd Street between Lexington and Park Avenues. You can have brunch or lunch there. It's fairly casual, french brasserie style. I used to meet my mother there for lunch when I worked in that neighborhood. I think their kitchen adjoins the kitchen of the Four Seasons restaurant which is in the same building.

Aquavit - on W. 54th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. A very elegant Scandinavian restaurant - caviar, salmon, champagne, etc. And, of course, iced aquavit if you like.

Cafe des Artistes - close to Lincoln Center on 67th Street and Central Park West (check exact address) - a famous and very romantic spot for dinner or lunch. Very art nouveau with nymphs painted on the walls. I've had good food there.

For a simple breakfast, you can duck into any local coffee shop - there's one on just about every corner.

That's a few suggestions. I'll repost if I think of some more.

Good luck! I hope you enjoy your trip to NYC!

For a place close to Lincoln Center, I think almost just across the street, is Ollie's. They are listed here on the Fodors web site. Their specialty is Chinese food - almost everything! I had the roasted duck salad and it was only $5.50. Their was also a little coffee place near Lincoln Center that I remember stopping at to get a quick snack. Not sure how late they stay open but they might have some cake. I recommend looking at this web sites suggestions for restaurants near your hotel. Also www.citysearch.com is a good guide. You will not go hungry in NYC!! Have fun.

this may be something to look into
SERENDIPITY on east 66th street. it is awesome. they have the best deserts ever!
you must get a frozen hot chocolate.
we love it!