Thanks everyone, I'm putting the replies in a list for my wife and I to check out and for the students too.

My wife came home and told me the name of the place, it isn't mexican, Empanada Mama. Sounds like it could be OK.

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Empanada Mama
763 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Thanks all, one of the kids found a mexican place and has successfully lobbied the rest to pick it. ( I was under the impression I was finding a place) I don't know the name of it. At least now I get to look for our dining places. I may check out the pizza myself. Thanks!

My wife and I are in town this coming weekend (March 12 - 14) for a conference with about 20 college students. Usually we all go out together one night on the university's dime. My wife just called me and asked if I could find a place. I know less about the city than she does so I am turning to the experts.

In the past we've gone to S'mac, Katz, and a greek/italian place that I can't remember. The kids like good food, but not fussy. They'll be in jeans.

We want a place for dinner with entrees around $20 - 25, comfort food, or ethnic as long as it isn't strange, (as perceived by the picky students, think Italian, Greek, Chinese or Mediterranean cuisine) that will accept a reservation for about 20 people at this late date. They like drinks but will be buying their own so wine and beer that is somewhat affordable is a good thing.

We'll be staying about 4 blocks from Times Square but are willing to travel around Manhattan.

I'd appreciate any help since I don't want to screw this up.

Jean

(Who wishes she had the cash and the reservation for Per Se but will be with students instead. It will be fun, just a different kind of fun.)

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Per Se
10 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

My family has been making Indian Pudding forever, (we have lived in Massachusetts since the Pilgrims although our recipe isn't that old <g>). Our recipe is my great great grandmother's, if not older. It is very simple, cornmeal, milk, molasses, sugar and butter. I love it but would never get it in a restaurant, they muck it up with all sorts of strange ingredients like cinnamon and suchlike. And it is actually very easy to make, although it takes time.

I have bought it at the Stop and Shop on Morrissey Blvd in Dorchester. I believe the brand is Blue Mountain. This is the only brand I've used so I don't know how good it is.

I used to go to Five Guys in the 1990's in DC and have gone there in upstate NY and in MA recently. The fries were better in DC earlier; now they seem paler and less flavorful. The burgers are the same as they were then, IMHO. For me the attraction was the fries and being able to get fried onions on the burger. I don't think they're great but I like them better than the national burger chains (Burger King, McDonalds, Wendy's). I don't make a special trip but if i'm in the area I might try them.

The Lobster Hut, across from Christo's, is OK although I haven't been there in a while. They have decent fried clams and seafood.