"boring" midtown dinner on a Monday night

[Windy]

I'll be in NY this fall with my mother, the least adventurous eater in the world.

We're going to see Les Paul Monday night at Iridium (51st and Broadway) at 8 p.m. and need to grab dinner beforehand. Preferably somewhere I (finicky San Francisco omnivore) can find something good too.

I was thinking the Carnegie Deli, but would appreciate other suggestions nearby.

We're having Chinese and pizza the previous days, so ideally something else. Korean would work. She doesn't like anything spicy. Doesn't need to be fancy. There will be five or six of us, so reservations are a bonus.

Thanks for any ideas!

[RGR]

I'm not a fan of Carnegie. Imo, it and all the other delis in that area are thorougly mediocre.

For Korean food, it would be best to go to "Little Korea." It's in the W. 30's, so not close to the Iridium, but a short cab ride away. As far as which of the many spots there to choose, the only one I've been to is Kang Suh, on the corner of B'way & 32nd St. We did the barbecue, and it was very good. They take reservations.

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/kang-suh/

Most of the restaurants in the vicinity of the Iridium (Times Square/Theater District) take reservations. In fact, they are a must pre-theater though on Monday evenings, nearly all theaters are dark.

Here are a few suggestions for good, casual restaurants near the Iridium:

Brasserie Cognac, on the corner of B'way & 55th St. - http://www.cognacrestaurant.com

Chez Napoleon, on 50th St., b/t 8th & 9th - http://www.cheznapoleon.com

Uncle Nick's, on 9th Av., b/t 50th & 51st St. - http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/uncle-nicks/

Trattoria Trecolori, on 47th St., b/t B'way & 8th Av. (Italian, but there's no pizza) - http://www.trattoriatrecolori.com

[Windy]

Thanks RGR, these look perfect esp Uncle Nick's. We don't have decent Greek food in San Francisco.

I've actually taken my mother to Kang Suh if it's the two-story place with the waterfall and piano, and she liked it. But we're not going to have time to park and deal with cabs or walk more than a few blocks very slowly.

Will check out your list. Much appreciated.

[City Kid]

If convenience and timing are big factors you may want to consider eating at Iridium. I ate dinner during a show there last year and it was kind of fun and convenient. The food was more than decent and not unreasonable, nice ambiance -- it won't blow you away by any means, but has everything from burgers and salads to steak and seafood. Nothing that might scare your mother!

http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com/menu.s...

[JungMann]

Bann is a Korean restaurant rather near your show. They have more exotic options such as ostrich and bison in addition to the expected items, which might appeal to both of your palates.

[Spiritchaser]

I like Bann. They have some great apps. and the ent. menu is pretty broad. We've only gone with the 2 of us but largers groups seemed to be enjoying themseleves when we've been there.

[Windy]

Ostrich and bison! How exciting. WIll check it out.

Fortunately I'll have time for a few meals around the boroughs without so many constraints. Also good to know the food at Iridium is straightforward and edible. That may turn out to be the easiest course, but not what I would choose.

Thanks!