I am about to leave for India with a group and most people are planning to spend $200 for a New Year's Eve party at a club. I'm not a big drinker and might rather have nice -- and hopefully less expensive -- dinner with a few friends. It could be NYE-themed but that's not a requirement. Does anyone have any recommendations? I'd like to make a reservation in advance if possible.

Thank you!

Thanks for that idea. I did it and selected Fr.Og. There are mixed opinions here so if anyone has anything else I'm open to it.

Thank you for Bistro Les Amis. It looks great... for next time. No 8 PM for Sat. night. On to OpenTable it is!

My husband and I offered to take our parents out to dinner this Saturday night and I'm having trouble getting a reservation. Unfortunately, there are a number of restrictions: Soho generally near Broadway, 5 people, around 8 PM, sufficient fish (no shellfish) options. I can't get in at Salt, Lupa, Aquagrill, or Lure. Balthazar is a little too expensive and Il Corallo Trattoria doesn't look nice enough (but I could be wrong, as I haven't been). Didn't love the menu at Blue Ribbon Brasserie. I've heard of Smiths and Alma Blue, but can't find them anywhere onIine. I know this is tough but I'd really appreciate suggestions! Thank you in advance.

Any suggestions for NYE dinner on the Upper West Side? Looking to be out of there by 9:30-10ish. A la carte preferred but prix-fixe okay if not $100. Thanks!

It's on Houston near Wooster. In Israel it's all fish and dairy but here they have chicken, too. I'm not sure about any of the dishes you mentioned. I think they may do the sabich but the others don't ring a bell. I'd go for the salads, breakfasts and maybe sandwiches; the desserts are not standouts.

I had a great Greek salad. It was huge and delicious and the bread on the side was good, although not as good as at their Israel shops.

Haven't seen one but I was just there. Are you looking for something specific?

I definitely prefer the overall experience at Le Marais to any of the other kosher restaurants around, including Prime Grill. As a non-meat-eater, it's the only one where I've gotten a decent piece of fish.

Aroma Espresso Bar (160 Wooster but on Houston) has terrific salads. They're huge and around $7. The bread and coffee is good and the sandwiches and all-day breakfast and bourekas look great. The place is airy, bright and modern.

Aroma Espresso Bar (160 Wooster but on Houston) has terrific salads. They're huge and around $7. The bread and coffee is good and the sandwiches and all-day breakfast and bourekas look great. The place is airy, bright and modern.

I've been for lunch and love the panini.

I like Roppongi at 81st and Amsterdam.

Matsuri under the Maritime Hotel (8th & 15th, I think, but double-check) has excellent food and lovely atmosphere.

Betach! And, they may not even be that unhealthy. When I was in the Aroma by Ben Yehuda St. in May I asked if I could have the Iced Aroma made with skim milk and they said it was already prepared with 2% milk! Not sure how much it's sweetened, though.

Thanks for the post! This is my favorite hangout in Jerusalem and I knew it was opening here but wasn't sure when. Have you been to the ones in Israel? I'm wondering whether the salads are as amazing even though the cheese probably isn't Israeli-produced.

My favorite is mixed greens (or even just green leaf lettuce) with crumbled blue cheese, tuna and avocado OR crumbled blue cheese, chick peas and raisins.

I toss it with a really low-fat dressing that I make out of balsamic vinegar and dijon mustard with a dash of EVOO.

I recently learned that this Israeli cafe chain is opening up on Wooster St. Does anyone know when?

I'm curious as to whether it will be as good as my favorite Jerusalem hangout without the amazing Israeli-made cheeses.