Thanks to everyone . Will give my young friend his choice, and see how far he wants to walk. Really appreciate this.

Thanks to both of you. Had thought about the tap room, the food is delicious...however I was there recently --ditto grand Sichuan -- and thought it would be fun to try something new. What is the market table like?

Thanks rose water.are there tables at the market where you can eat the lobsters?

Thanks!

Dinner around 8. Probably more on the smart casual side, as he'll probably leave jkt etc at my apt. Would like to keep bill around $100 or a bit over.

My godson, who just graduated from college, is coming up from DC for a job interview. Am going to take him on the High Line, and then to a casual (but jovial) dinner. Any suggestions? We'll be walking south-ward, so anything below Chelsea would be best. (Also- if he gets the job, wil probably be treating him to dinner a number of times in the next months, so please don't break the bank!) Many thanks!

great idea. thanks!

Thanks to everyone. Just spoke w/ his son, and I think we're going to have to stick very close by.

A friend's 95-year-old grandfather is coming to midtown, will be staying at the Yale Club. Fish or seafood is great, but nothing spicy (and please don't tempt him with beans....) It would be nice to have a relatively quiet, not-over-the-top place, close to 44 and Madison. Thanks for any suggestions!

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I've passed them on to my brother and will be "surprised" and I'm sure delighted with his choice.

My brother is taking me out for a birthday dinner. Japanese. And money is a bit--just a bit--of a consideration, certainly wouldn't want him to have to spring for 150/person (he works at a university). So: Kyo Ya? Wasan? Kanyoma? Other suggestions. Please help. I lived in Japan years ago, love sushi and sake and surprises.

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Kyo Ya
94 E 7th St, New York, NY 10009

Wasan
108 E 4th St, New York, NY 10003

Merci! Avec champagne.

Taking a friend who recently broke up w. her husband to dinner then theater. Would love something French (rather like the dear departed Chez Madeleine) or some other small restaurant where the focus is on food. Would also like it to be moderate in price. Because of the snow, it should be close to the theater, near 9th & 43rd. Thanks!

I know it is DaVero -- I did a story on the oil and interviewed Mario. You can order the oil (the first olive oil from the US to win a prize in Italy) at their website: davero.com

Any suggestions for Italian or Japanese restaurants for Restaurant Week?

Don't bother with a hotel, go to The Boathouse in Central Park -- great place in the heart of the park. http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/ Enter at 72d St. (Fifth Ave. is closest, but also accessible from CPW). Great during the fall!

A long-lost friend will be coming in to NYC in a few weeks. Would like to go to a restaurant in Manhattan that offers excellent food (w. emphasis on quality rather than cleverness) and wine (he owns a vineyard). Somewhat cozy -- perhaps downtown -- but a place that we can talk easily. Price: He probably won't let me pick up the tab, so please don't suggest wildly expensive places a la Per Se. One other caveat: It's on a Sunday. Thanks.

Not a restaurant, but a grand Little Italy landmark: Di Paolo's on Grand at the corner of Mott. They have the greatest Italian cheeses, salamis, and now wines...Just a few doors down is Piemonte Ravioli for fresh pasta. You won't be able to get these ingredients in Asia (or, for that matter, most of the US).