215968 Sun Nov 14 16:52:17 -0800 2004 2 18 Manhattan 0 1149928 Won a lunch bet recently with a friend (unfortunately it was about the presidential election and have finally started to get my appetite back)and now it's time to collect. Unfortuantely, my friend is not terribly adventurous, won't eat japanese or mexican, and prefers trendy and/or sophisticated restaurants that are more about atmosphere than good food. I on the other hand will try anything once,love good food and couldn't care less about atmosphere. Even though she's paying would like to find some happy medium cause otherwise I will hear about it for a long time. Also don't want to break her but figure $25.00 - 30.00 a person, including a glass of wine is just about right. Any suggestions? Sun Nov 14 16:52:17 -0800 2004 0 bobbypins 1 1150139 It's cash only but Bar Pitti on 6th Ave. between Houston & Bleecker is a favorite of mine for lunch. Eggplant parmigian is great, tuna sandwich (not the regular coffee shop type), pastas, salads, etc. Their cappuccino is also the best in the city. Everything is truly delicious and it's reasonably priced. Also the sauteed spinach with garlic is yummy. Mon Nov 15 20:06:23 -0800 2004 1149928 0 sybil 1 1150161 Blue Ribbon Bakery at Downing and Bedford could work well. Also I think 50 Carmine (near Bedford) may be open for lunch too. Mon Nov 15 23:04:28 -0800 2004 1149928 0 flyingkitten