Christmas in New York

I've stayed in several places in NYC, and this was one of the more famous. However, you don't get much bang for your buck, unless you are in a suite. Nowhere to be found were the robes and complimentary slippers I had read about on the website. The room was very, VERY small, even by NYC standards, but comfortable and pretty to be fair. I was disappointed that the furniture looked worn. There was a huge stain on the only comfortable chair in the room, prompting the question, "What the heck were they trying to get off of there?" The room service was prompt but typically overpriced. Plan to pay $15 for a pot of coffee before tax and tip. Of course, when you are hungover from the previous night's festivities, you'll pay anything, I suppose. The staff was polite and always offering to help. There are better bargains to be had in NYC, but it was a nice treat to stay somewhere so centrally located. Oh, and the Heavenly Bed is just that! It was wonderful to sink into every night.

This was the most wonderful dining experience I've ever had in the city. The staff was incredible and the atmosphere, sublime. The prix-fixe menu is a bit pricey but was a great way to sample several tastes. From the moment we stepped inside, we were treated like royalty. We never had to ask for anything; it was almost as if our server read our minds. The food was delicious, with interesting choices. Our party of six was seated comfortably at a large round table. Being from the south we appreciated the simple syrup provided with our glass of tea. We particularly liked the seared foie gras and the organic chicken. The crowning touch was the little muffin they send you home with for breakfast the next morning. I savored every bite of it with the $15 pot of coffee I ordered from room service the next morning. I will definitely dine here again, as it's the whole package--an experience, in addition to a wonderful menu.

What a disappointment! I just couldn't believe that the famed Tavern would let me down, but boy, did it. I was excited as we approached and saw the beauty and, yes, splendor of this magnificent place. All decked out for Christmas, it was unbelievable! For this alone you should go and have a drink in the upstairs bar (where there are some interesting cocktail choices) and at least an appetizer in the restaurant.

Forgo the big lunch or dinner! The food is mediocre at best and rather unimaginative comparatively speaking. My friends were smart and opted for apps and water. I was hungry and went for the prix-fixe lunch. The lobster bisque was good but then, when is anything with heavy whipping cream not tasty? My main course was, in a word, horrible. I had the cedar planked salmon, and not only would I not recommend it, but I have considered never having salmon again. The biggest disappointment by far, though, had to be dessert. I was salivating at the thought of classic creme brulee. Boy, was I disappointed when I was presented with cold custard in a dish. The top was not even brown and certainly didn't have that distinctive crack as the spoon hit the top.

What could have made matters worse? How about lousy, make that LOUSY, service. Our waiter was pompous, arrogant, and rude. He acted as though we had requested services from a professional when we asked that he take our photo. Then the bill came and it was wrong. He was offended that we questioned the bill (though he did correct it).

Go for the decor--it's as glorious as a redneck gone to Hollywood. But save some money and heartache and grab a bite at a local deli or from a street vendor. You'll be glad you did.

Simple decor and a polite staff plus delicious food make for a nice experience at Bobby Flay's NYC restaurant. Be sure to try the pork loin, as our group decided it was the best of everything we had. The sweet potato tamale is to die for. I even tried making it at home with the recipe I found on the Food TV website. The prices were excellent and the service was wonderful. We'll be eating here again and again!

If you do nothing else in this city, you must take the Gray Line Tour. It is truly the only way to see everything in one visit. I would take the 48-hour hop-on, hop-off, and be sure to do all loops. Don't forgo the night loop, which takes you out of Manhattan and gives you a fabulous view of the skyline on your way back in. The best part is that you can hop on and hop off--no trying to find cabs or subway stations. It is truly the greatest way for a first-timer to see it all. Heck, I've been five or six times and still love to go on these buses, as each tour guide has a different story to tell and a different landmark to note. This will be the best money you spend if you are truly going to see it all.