Looking for a change in spots where you dine during the Winter Meeting? Here are some tips from APsaA's staff and APsaA's president and president-elect—from American fare to Turkish, from the best coffee shop to a five-star winner.
Lynne Moritz, President
“My favorite is the Waldorf's historic Bull and Bear, right inside the Lexington Avenue entrance. Besides its convenient location, the environs are conducive to conversation and the food, superb.”
Prudy Gourguechon, President-elect
“I love finding good meals in New York for under $10. For that, you can't beat Mee Noodle Shop at 922 Second Avenue (48th and 49th Streets). Dine in or visit Mee's year-round carryout window. My favorite dish is roast chicken with vegetables (pick your own type of noodle—soupy or dry), all for eight bucks including tea and a fortune cookie. Mee's crowd is polyglot and filled with beautifully dressed U.N. persons speaking a wide range of languages. Last time, I even saw a limo picking up diners from the U.N. following their $8 meals.
La Mediterranee, 947 2nd Avenue (50th and 51st Streets) has a $25.00 pre-fixe pre-theater dinner, great bargain.
For a quick burst of energy, nothing suffices like a stop at The Buttercup Bake Shop, 973 2nd Avenue (51st and 52nd Streets).
Need to pick up a bottle of wine? The folks at the wine store at Lexington and 47th are very helpful and nice.
I always travel with metal or plastic picnic plates and knife and seek out good places for picnic foods. Near the Waldorf, my favorite is the Grand Central Market, 87 East 42nd Street (enter from Lexington Avenue between 42 and 43rd Streets).
And for a south of the equator treat, walk west from the Waldorf to Times Square on 46th Street—you'll come to the Theater District's enclave of Brazilian restaurants. They're cheap and quick and fun—and atypical Broadway fare.
Dean K. Stein, APsaA Executive Director
“My favorite best sandwich place in a two- or three-block radius of the Waldorf-Astoria is Cosi at 44th and 3rd. And my favorite spot for an inexpensive hot lunch near the hotel is The Press Box at 932 2nd Avenue (49th and 50th Streets).
My favorite mid-range dinner places east of the Waldorf are Pampano at 209 East 49th Street (2nd and 3rd Avenues) and Jubilee, 347 East 54th (between 1st and 2nd). And my favorite restaurants for a special evening out are Il Postino at 337 East 49th Street (1st and 2nd Avenues), and L'Impero at 45 Tudor City Place (Note: Tudor City Place runs parallel to and east of 2nd Avenue between East 41st and 43rd Streets.).
Carolyn Gatto,
Scientific Program and Meetings Director
Gatto recommends the Amish Market, 240 East 45th Street (2nd and 3rd Avenues) for a good hot meal. Dine-in or carryout.
Brian Canty,
Manager, Computer Information Systems
Canty recommends the Bistro New York Marketplace on 49th Street between Park and Madison Avenues for sushi and Japanese noodle shops. Dine-in or carryout.
Debbie Steinke Wardell,
Manager, Education and Membership Services
For an inexpensive, quick breakfast, lunch or supper, Wardell recommends the New York Luncheonette at 135 East 50th Street (Lexington and 3rd Avenue).
Chris Broughton,
Registration Coordinator
For a tasty wrap, Broughton suggests the Oxford Café at 591 Lexington Avenue (52nd and 53rd Streets).
Sherkima Edwards,
Accounts Receivable Coordinator
For a great burger, Edwards insists on Zip-burger at 300 East 52nd Street (1st and 2nd Avenues).
My Personal Favorites
I think nothing quite beats Sip Sak, a noted Turkish restaurant at 928 2nd Avenue (49th and 50th Streets) for either lunch or dinner.
And for Chinese food that's exquisite, stop by Chin Chin, 216 East 49th Street (2nd and 3rd Avenues).
Eager for Indian food? Try Diwan, 148 East 48th Street (Lexington and 3rd Avenues) with its $15.95 all you can eat lunch.
Headed to a Broadway show? My choice is the Portuguese Tintol, 155 West 46th Street (6th and 7th Avenues) featuring delicious tapas and wines by the glass. Another plus? The environs are relatively tourist free.