Recently went to Betony - was excellent. Let the somm do custom pairings with each course (as opposed to standard tasting+pairing) and was given a number of outside the box, gorgeous selections. Food was also top-notch.

My favorite restaurant for inexpensive, different, excellent food and great sake in NYC is Sake Bar Hagi at 152 W 49th (near 7th btwn 6th and 7th). Hard to find (small door leading down steep stairs), but well worth it. Go early and put your name/number on the list.

Really need to check out betony

Betony just announced they're closing, not sure when

I think they are closing at end of December, so get there very soon!

I'm flying to New York in 2 1/2 weeks for a wedding. We only have one night for free time so I booked a reservation at Jean George's. I have been doing more research and I've found that EMP seems to be getting a little more love and they have a couple open spots for the night we are looking for. Should I just keep my Jean George's reservation or cancel it for EMP?

Edit: Per Se was fully booked, so these were my next two choices.

I would do EMP. Jean George's used to have a really well-priced lunch menu, something like $30-$40 per person, I would look into it if you also have a free afternoon.

Noooo! I loved that place.

Yeah, it's $58 for lunch now. I was thinking about trying to do EMP the first night, and than try to squeeze Jean George's in for lunch the next day. I'll have to make sure that's possible. Thanks for replying.

Sweet, I just booked EMP for the first night and then Jean George's for lunch the following day. I just found out it fits into our schedule.

Timeout. This lunch tasting menu at the THE Jean-Georges at Trump International is $58? There's no price on the site. I've done the Bouley lunch tasting menu for $50 based on a recommendation from posters here, which I am eternally grateful for. It was outrageously good and ridiculous value.

Meyer Lemon Gelée with Caviar, Crème Fraîche

Hamachi Sashimi with Sherry Vinaigrette, and Toasted Pecans

Japanese Risotto with Porcini Marmalade and Herbs

Crispy Black Bass with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Spiced Apple Jus

Spice Crusted Venison with Red Cabbage and Chestnut Purée

Orchard Dessert Tasting

I used to work across the street from Jean Georges and lunch was $20 for the first few years I was there, best deal going in the city. Guess rents have caught up with them but it's still a great deal.

I think the 2 coarse prix fixe is $59 for lunch at Jean George's, according to my brief yelp research. I'm sure that tasting menu is much more.

Think I'm done with steakhouses. $300 at Maestros last night. Everything was fantastic but the I don't think the VORS (value over replacement steak) justifies it. Am I crazy

Def not crazy. I haven't been to Maestros but I Haven't been to a steakhouse in the city that I thought was worth it really. Not only is it VORS but meals period. You could go to Blue Hill for $300 (assuming this is for two) and get a better meal with much more variety. Same menu, sides, apps etc at like every steakhouse. Plus I make better steaks at home than 95% of steakhouses.

You are not crazy.

i'd rather spend $50 for a really good steak than $20 for a mediocre steak, but most nights i would prefer to spend the $50 on two or three courses somewhere other than a steakhouse

Dinner at Eleven Madison Park was amazing. Super great staff too. I was really impressed with how professional and friendly everyone was. Definitely not a pretentious place even though they were ranked the 3rd best restaurant in the world last year on the top 50 list. There was a guy a few tables over who had jeans on. I was really surprised to see that in a 3 Michelin star restaurant, but they didn't seem to mind. Just an amazing experience.

We had lunch at Jean George's the next day and did their 5 coarse tasting menu. It was awesome. Jean George's seemed a little more "upity" then EMP, but everyone was super friendly there. I got to meet and take a pic with Jean George himself, so that was pretty cool.

I would recommend both places, but be prepared to drop some cash, haha.

I'll be hitting up EMP again in February. Thanks for the update.

11 Madison park is a perfect example of what separates a 3 Michelin star restaurant from other nice restaurants

Are there any places in this city I can go to get work done at like midnight-5am-ish (with wifi)? Google revealed one 24 hour Starbucks on 43rd and Bdwy but I saw reviews saying it doesn't have any seating.

Veselka in the East Village is 24 hours. I believe it has wifi.

To dilute the non-stop eatery discussions (I love them, please don't stop) - the annual NY Times/Architectural Digest design show is happening again on March 16-19. It's a primarily interior design showcase with cool furniture, art, home tech, bathrooms/kitchens/etc. I've been three times, once on a date, once with a friend, and once with my mom, and enjoyed all 3 occasions.

http://addesignshow.com/

dont know if you are a native (as transplants hate this) but plenty of 24 hour internet cafes on eldridge street . 12 bucks and you can use the internet/desktop for 10 hours overnight.

Got a buddy coming in for conference so we're gonna get some drinks and food Friday afternoon and evening. Any recommendations on some cool spots to go to?

Pretty much anywhere in the city south of Central Park is fine. I'm just looking for unique spots.