In town for the sales and looking for someplace new and different to eat, shop or visit? Let the TDN help! Following up on our popular Best Bets on the Jersey Shore series during Breeders' Cup week, TDN subscribers now regularly recommend dining and shopping options to our out-of-town readers.

Tavern On The Green (New York City, NY - Dining)

Central Park at West 67th St., New York, NY.
Phone: 212-873-3200
Web: www.tavernonthegreen.com
Type: Incredible food served in an unforgettable and historic setting

On occasion, I enjoy heading to New York City with my nephew, who is a marathon runner. We start our day off by taking the train from Long Island in to Penn Station. From Penn Station we run south toward Battery Park and make several stops along the way. Some of our favorite pit-stops include parks and hotel lobbies; in particular, the lobby of the Trump Plaza which can always offer some interesting sights. Rockefeller Center is always a must-see as well. The first food stop is typically in Little Italy. There is a restaurant on Houston Street at which I always order sangria and some guacamole dip (try Dos Caminos at Houston and 475 W. Broadway). After that snack we head on down to Battery Park and spend some time enjoying the sights, especially the Statue of Liberty. The trip to Battery Park this time of year will be particularly special in that it is timed right around Memorial Day. Being there is a huge reminder of the freedom that our country has to offer. After the sojourn to Battery Park, we head towards Central Park and always enjoy stopping at the It has a dreamy atmosphere and the walls are adorned with pictures of numerous immortals, such as JFK. The glass-structured dining room offers a very open and bright place to have lunch. Finally, to finish up the day, we head to the mall on the south side of the park and wander around, possibly even stopping for another bite to eat. Once I had lunch next to Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), who was undoubtedly signing some million-dollar contract. This trip to the city always ends up lasting all day and we are exhausted by the end. However, despite the physical exhaustion, I always feel as though my batteries have been recharged. I leave with new dreams and full of new goals which I am anxious to attain.

-- Kent Desormeaux

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