Two Floridians in Midtown in late October... suggestions?

[Big Bad Voodoo Lou]

Hey folks! I've gotten great restaurant advice on the Manhattan board in the past, but I will be there again in October, and I want more suggestions! My fiancee and I have been there together before, and we'll actually be celebrating our honeymoon this time around. We do not drink, so that narrows down a few options (and saves us money at the same time!) We're staying in Midtown within walking distance of Ess-A-Bagel, which we loved in the past and still talk about constantly, so I'm guessing that will be our breakfast every morning. We've also been to Katz's Deli and have every intention of returning at least once.

One night we had a fancy dinner at Craft and tried their tasting menu, but I admit it really didn't blow me away, and we probably wouldn't go back. She tried Colors on a separate trip and didn't care for it either. I would LOVE to get a reservation at Babbo and go for their pasta tasting menu, but I've read that ordering a few dishes off the menu to share might be a better bargain, and leave us with even better things to try. I'm all about the offal, but her, not so much. How are Bobby Flay's restaurants these days? Worthwhile? Worth the money? We are always on the lookout for truly awe-inspiring authentic Mexican (or Cal-Mex, but not Tex-Mex) if there are any good places around.

Another restaurant we've tried in the past and won't be returning to is Norma's, in Le Parker Meredien Hotel. My fiancee is the one with the sweet tooth, but neither of us enjoyed the snobbish, condescending, rude waiters. She said the Burger Joint at Le Parker Meredien is definitely worth it for a late-night meal, though -- a great deal on a fantastic burger, and the place is still mostly off the beaten path. Is it still holding up?

We've also been to Barney Greengrass and loved it, but we made a special trip there, and it will be somewhat out of the way again this time. I'd really like to stop by Russ and Daughters while we're near Katz's this time, since I love herring and smoked fish. Is Yonah Schimmel worth it just for a knish, or do Russ or Katz's have good, "quintessential New York knishes" as well? I've been told we need to hit Il Laboratorio del Gelato while we're in that neighborhood too. It looks and sounds amazing -- does anyone have any can't-miss flavors for us to try? And on that note, we loved Pinkberry and will probably go back -- they haven't made it to Florida yet.

Last time I had an amazing gyro from one of the halal street vendors near 30 Rockefeller Center, but she wasn't with me at the time. I still talk about that damn gyro. I am a big fan of street cart food, so I'm all for hitting them up again. We'll probably opt for a few less-than-iconic meals while we're there -- maybe a lunch at a museum cafe or a nighttime nosh from a corner deli when we just can't drag ourselves out on our final night. And there will be at least one meal with friends in Brooklyn (we remember the Tutt Cafe in Brooklyn Heights delivering great Middle Eastern food, and might try them again). But is there anything else we MUST have?

One more thing: I am a huge fan of cured meats. I know, I'm a really terrific Jew, but call it charcuterie, salumi, anything... I have to have them! Are there any good salumerias around Midtown where I'd be able to sample and taste the best of the best?

[jaingmaster]

Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!

If you get tired of bagels, another option Macchiato Espresso Bar on E 44th Street for breakfast. Excellent coffee and baked goods.

My gf and I had dinner at Babbo about a year ago. Our mistake was not sticking to the pasta. The other dishes we ordered were okay, but not on the same level as the pasta. The highlight of our meal was goose liver ravioli with some insanely rich balsamic reduction. It remains one of my favorite dishes ever.

I can't comment on Bobby Flay, but for great Mexican you could try the outer boroughs. I love De Mole in Sunnyside, Queens, an easy 15-20 minute trip from midtown.

Burger Joint is very tasty, but it's only "off the beaten path" in the physical sense - despite its location it's quite well known among locals and tourists. I'm not sure if you're looking for burger recs or not - if so there are endless threads already. To keep it simple, if you enjoy the style of burger at Burger Joint then other similar burgers can be had at JG Melon on the Upper East Side and Shake Shack in Madison Square Park.

[Pan]

Yonah Schmimmel really isn't all that. That said, I haven't had a knish that satisfied me in years, so regrettably, I can't advise you there.

You two seem like brunch fans, so you have to look through this thread:

"Best Brunch (Updated For 2009)"

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/598414

kathryn is the veritable Queen of Brunch, and others have plenty of useful things to say, too.

[martigrl]

Hmmm. Just had a cabbage/potato knish from Yonah Schimmel a couple of weeks ago and boy was that yummy. The best I've had, I think. Don't know if it's a must have, but it was certainly memorable for me. I'll certainly swing by for the same exact one when I'm back in the neighborhood.

[MMRuth]

If you are willing to travel just a little bit, you might like Salumeria Rosi on the UWS - about 73rd and Amsterdam, I think.