GOOD FOOD AT MODERATE PRICES!

Magnolia Bakery — 1240 6th Avenue at 49th (212-767-1123). CUPCAKES AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER! The best sugar fix! Made popular and famous by Carrie Bradshaw and her friends in Sex and the City. Expect a line. Divine chocolate buttermilk or vanilla cupcakes with chocolate or vanilla icing $2.50 each. Red Velvet cupcakes with whipped vanilla icing, Pumpkin cupcakes with a maple cream cheese icing and toasted pecans, German Chocolate cupcakes with coconut-caramel-pecan icing, and Devil's Food cupcakes iced with your choice of mocha, vanilla, chocolate buttercream or caramel cream cheese icing $3.00 each. Call ahead if you need more than 24 cupcakes. Great coffee $1.50/$2. Delicious 2- and 3-layer cakes $38-$48 – inscription $2. Banana pudding - layers of vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, creamy vanilla pudding - $4.50/$5.50 (call ahead for bowls $24/$36 large enough for 10/20 people).

Orso — 322 West 46th between 8th & 9th (212-489-7212). MAKE PLANS FOR A GREAT MEAL! Susan Stockton, President, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, recommends smoked trout salad with chickpeas, watercress, onions, string beans, tomatoes, and shallot vinaigrette $14 and ravioli filled with chicken, spinach, and ricotta with tomato and basil sauce $18. Halsey and Alice suggest the thinly sliced cold roasted veal in tuna and caper sauce $13; Trevisano salad with apples, grapes, walnuts, goat cheese, and apple ginger vinaigrette $12; the small pizza with chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil $16; and pan seared soft shell crabs with spicy romesco sauce, sautéed broccoli rabe, raisins, and toasted pine nuts. A good wine accompaniment is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva Zaccagninni 2002 Abruzzo $39, and a great dessert is the warm chocolate torte with espresso and chocolate sauces served with nutella gelato $9.

Amarone Ristorante — 686 9th Avenue between 47th & 48th (212-245-6060). THEATER DISTRICT. Robert Freedman, President/CEO, Ruth Eckerd Hall, joins us in recommending this delightful spot with fresh homemade pastas $12-$17, good antipasti and salads $7-$13, delicious entrees $17-$32, great desserts, and wonderful wine.

Angus McIndoe — 258 West 44th (212-221-9222). THEATER HANGOUT/ COMFORT FOOD. Soup of the day is always good $8. All day breakfast $14. Hamburgers $12-$14. Wild mushroom lasagna, spinach noodles, ricotta, béchamel, tomato sauce $20. Grilled herb-marinated salmon filet, green apple-chorizo stuffing, asparagus, beurre blanc sauce $24. House Specialty: grilled 38oz USDA Prime Porterhouse steak for two, cabernet reduction, choice of sides $79 - after 8pm, with unlimited complimentary wine by the glass. Warm chocolate soufflé cake, white chocolate-Grand Marnier sauce, cranberry compote $9; apple crumb cake, sweet clotted cream, mulled cider sauce $9; pumpkin spice cheesecake, port poached pear, candied hazelnuts $9.

Da Marino —20 West 49th (212-541-6601). COZY WITH TASTY, HOMEMADE PASTAS. Delicious toasted bread with fresh tomatoes $8; arugula salad with fresh pear, parmesan cheese, lemon-extra-virgin-olive-oil dressing $16; and grilled calamari served with a spicy tomato dipping sauce $17.95. Excellent miniature cheese ravioli in a tomato basil sauce $17; papardella pasta with homemade tomato meat sauce $18; penne, shrimp, asparagus, fresh tomatoes, scallions, garlic $22; and pounded chicken breast stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto sautéed in marsala wine sauce $28. Surprising specials on a recent visit: chocolate fettuccini and shrimp in a pink vodka sauce and cavatelli with veal in white wine sauce. On a previous visit, we had peach sorbet in a hollowed out frozen peach and pumpkin sorbet in a small pumpkin (!) $8 each. Delightful!

Maison — northwest corner West 53rd at 7th Avenue (212-757-2233). PLEASANT BRASSERIE OPEN 24/7. Full breakfast menu includes Belgian waffle $8.50 with strawberries or bananas $9.50, eggs Copenhagen with smoked salmon $11.95, homemade granola with yogurt $6.95, and your own 3-egg omelet creations $8.95. For lunch, try French onion soup $6.95 with a baby-spinach-roasted-beet-pecan-Roquefort cheese salad $10.95 or warm hummus and pita $7.95 with Mediterranean tapas $10.95. The dinner menu includes bouillabaisse $24.95, ratatouille and goat cheese crepe with arugula salad $13.95, crisp duck confit and leek crepe with prunes and roasted garlic $18.95, and impressive sandwiches $13.95-$14.95.

Sosa Borella — 832 8th Avenue at 50th (212-262-8811). ITALIAN/ARGENTINEAN FUSION. Halsey loves pan-seared branzino, onion tomato salsa, spinach, oven roasted potatoes $25 and Alice the Parmesan crusted chicken breast with roasted tomatoes, artichokes, mashed potatoes $19. There is a delicious jumbo crab meat, avocado, and mesclun salad with citrus dressing and cucumber tomato bruschetta $15. Delightful char-grilled pizzas $16. Pasta $18. Homemade desserts $8-14.

Soba Nippon - 19 West 52nd (212-489-2525). TASTY BUCKWHEAT NOODLES MADE FRESH ON SITE. Delicious 5-course prix fixe dinner includes beef, chicken, or fish as well as a Zen monk appetizer, sushi, and choice of soba noodles $28/$34. Wonderful menu with selections ranging from $3.50 to $38. Homemade tofu made fresh daily. Sake selections $8+.

bricco italiano — 304 West 56th/8th (212-245-7160). DELICIOUS BRICK OVEN BAKED PIZZAS including tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil $16; endive, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, mozzarella $17.50; wild mushrooms, ricotta, mozzarella $18.95; and prosciutto, roasted peppers, artichokes, mozzarella $19.95. Also brick-oven baked are the artichokes $12.50 and Cornish hens $19. For dessert, tiramisu $8.50 and ricotta lemon cheesecake $8.50.

Topaz Thai — 127 West 56th (212-957-8020). GOOD, AFFORDABLE THAI. Table for 2 in the window. We like to share Thai spring rolls $3.95 and Siamese ginger duck with onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms $12.95. The grilled fillet of salmon is now topped with garlic sauce, shrimp, carrots, onions, and Thai broccoli $15.95.

Russian Samovar — 256 West 52nd near 8th (212-757-0168 need reservation). TRADITIONAL RUSSIAN. Tasty hot borscht with meat pirozhok and sour cream $9 and mushroom vol-au-vent in puff pastry $12. Fabulous beef stroganoff, lean sliced filet of beef smothered in sour cream and mushrooms with a side of noodles $22. Light and moist chicken Kiev $24. Veal osso bucco served with kasha and mushrooms $32.

Norma's — 118 West 57th in Le Parker Meridien Hotel (212-708-7460). BREAKFAST TIL 3:00 PM DAILY. Enjoy super blueberry buttermilk pancakes $22; crispy Belgian waffle with fresh berries, Devonshire cream $22; crunchy French toast with warm caramel sauce $22; Eggs Benedict with Norma's own Hollandaise on crispy English muffin $23; huevos rancheros $22; egg white frittata, shrimp, oven-roasted Roma tomatoes $27. For lunch, we like crispy Caesar salad with grilled chicken $23; the Parker Club sandwich — chicken, prosciutto, avocado on whole grain bread with artichoke mayo $22; traditional and tasty Reuben on New York rye $22; tofu, bok choy, and ginger tossed with udon noodles $29; and u-build-em pastas $26; piazza $22 plus toppings $2 each, and sundaes $18. Oh, and milkshakes $8.

John's Pizzeria — 260 West 44th (212-391-7560). Former Christian Alliance Gospel Tabernacle with Tiffany glass ceiling. BEST PIZZA $12-17.75 plus toppings $2-$4.75. Roasted veggie platter $8.50. Crisp salads $8.50-$14. Garlic bread $3.50 half $6.50 whole loaf. Mozzarella wedges $7.95. Chocolate layer cake filled with chocolate cream and covered with chocolate ganache $6.

Heartland Brewery Radio City — 1285 6th Avenue on 51st (212-582-8244). LIVELY PUB/SEASONAL BEERS. Halsey likes a buffalo burger with fresh-cut Idaho fries $12.95 and a pint of Farmer Jon's Oatmeal Stout $6.50. Alice enjoys lemon-seared Atlantic salmon, sautéed spinach, citrus herb sauce $17.95 with a salad of mesclun greens and cherry tomatoes $7.50. House specialties are hickory smoked BBQ St. Louis ribs $18.50; sesame seared ahi tuna, steamed vegetables, sticky rice $18.95; linguini topped with baby shrimp, crab meat, baby spinach, tomato cream sauce $17.49; steak frites 8 oz. USDA choice tender cut with fresh-cut Idaho fries $21.50; and steak stuffed with wild mushrooms, onions, smoked mozzarella cheese, red zinfandel sauce, mashed potatoes $19.95.

Brasserie Pigalle — 790 8th Avenue at 48th (212-489-2233). BRUNCH WEEKENDS 10-4:30. Irish oatmeal $6.95. Omelette $10.25 plus $.50 per lots of choices. Eggs Benedict with grilled ham $10.50. Eggs Florentine with spinach $10.50. Frittata with onion, pepper, tomato, chorizo, potato, scallion $10.25. Nicoise salad with grilled fresh tuna $16.75. Grilled chicken Cobb salad $14.75. Lovely desserts: profiteroles — cream puffs, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, toasted almonds $7.95 and lemon cheesecake, citron marmalade, pecan cake, raspberry sauce $8.25. Try for upper level area — it's quieter!

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RECOMMENDED FOR FINE DINING - NEED RESERVATIONS!

The Modern — 9 West 53rd (reservations start 28 days ahead 212-333-1220 or www.opentable.com). ENTRANCE NEXT TO/IN MUSEUM OF MODERN ART. James Beard Foundation Best Chef Nominee 2007 and 2006. The Dining Room overlooking the Sculpture Garden has 3-course prix fixe $88 and 2 seasonal tasting menus $125/$138. We recommend the scrumptious escargot, pearl onion, and potato ''gateau'' with ginger parsley jus, and the roasted Maine lobster in a ''folly'' of herbs with salsify and green apple. The Bar Room's choice of 30 tastings on small or medium sized plates include an incredibly delicious fresh grilled shrimp, green cabbage, gruyère salad $17. Fabulous roasted Long Island duck breast with peppercorn-crusted apples and toasted pistachio-truffle dipping sauce $17. Seared diver scallops with Asian pear, citrus and spiced lobster consommé $20. Beignets with maple ice cream, caramel, and mango marmalade $10.

Rouge Tomate — 10 East 60th (646-237-8977). PREPARATION IS EXTRAORDINARY! The work of the staff nutritionist is as evident as the work of the chef! Spacious dining room with our private space by the pool with floating cranberries! Homemade ginger ale $5 and bitter orange cocktail $14 freshly squeezed from the juice bar. Halsey heartily enjoyed the market potato (5 kinds) topped with poached farm egg, foraged mushrooms, fine herbes, sherry vinegar $15 and Alice loved what turned out to be a hefty, vegetable-filled house salad $11. Then we shared yummy lobster a la plancha, carrot, vanilla, Treviso, citrus vinaigrette $39. After lovely amuse bouche of red grapefruit juice, we shared the chocolate & banana dessert – a startling hot cocoa, caramelized banana Napoleon, and roasted banana sorbet $10. Armed with a parting gift of homemade granola, we thanked our lovely server, gave our compliments to the chef and nutritionist, and promised to return!

Benoit — 60 West 55th (646-943-7373). A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE! The food was delicious, and the service superb! Waiters promptly brought warm cheese balls and a red “cozy” of crusty country bread and kept replenishing them. The 2-course pre-theatre $35 dinner offered perfect choices. We ordered and highly recommend: Parisian salad; chilled pea soup; grilled salmon with lemon, capers, brown butter, spinach; and duck a l’orange with turnip confit and Bigarade sauce. The tart tatin for two with crème fraiche looked great and was large enough for four!

Maze by Gordon Ramsay at The London — 151 West 54th between 6th & 7th (212-468-8889). INNOVATIVE TASTING DISHES! With friends, we shared a fantastic salad of white asparagus, English peas, green beans, truffle dressing $13; perfect Maine lobster with white radish, honey vinaigrette, granny smith apple $17; luscious fillet of Brandt beef, braised short rib, Swiss chard, smoked mushrooms $19; delicious twice cooked Poussin, roast - Coq au Vin with prune puree and foie gras veloute $17; Madagascan vanilla rice pudding, raspberry and lemon thyme jam, Mascarpone, pecan ice cream $8; phenomenal Valrhona chocolate fondant with green cardamom caramel, sea salt, almond ice cream $10; and yummy peanut butter and cherry jam sandwich, salted nuts, cherry sorbet $10. A fun gastronomical experience!

Brasserie Ruhlmann — 45 Rockefeller Plaza/West 50th (212-974-2020). CLASSIC FRENCH BRASSERIE. Alice adores the amazing chicken sandwich with pesto and mozzarella on airy, moist, chewy, salty, and bubbly bianca bread $18. Halsey likes the lobster roll with lime curry-kaffir $28. Both sandwiches come with fabulous hand-cut French fries. Halsey also suggests the salad frisée with diced bacon and soft boiled egg $21 or the salad ''Ruhlmann'' with mix greens and vegetables, oregano dressing $16 or $23 with chicken / $24 with albacore tuna / $25 with shrimp.

etcetera etcetera — 352 West 44th east of 9th (212-399-4141). UNUSUALLY GOOD FOOD — THEATER DISTRICT. A destination restaurant even if you are not going to a Broadway show! Special grilled focaccia with black olive tapenade. Amazing antipasti: Parma prosciutto over seasonal melon with grilled dates wrapped in pancetta $12.50; baby arugula salad with avocado, hearts of palm, pine nuts, shaved Pecorino cheese $12; and veal meat balls with Parmigiano in a rich ''San Marzano'' tomato sauce $13. Remarkable entrees, especially: crispy, meaty, roasted Cornish hen with lemon sauce, sautéed yellow squash, rosemary potatoes $22.50. End with Gianduia ice cream doused with Amaretto and espresso $9.

Insieme (''together'' in Italian) — 777 Seventh Avenue at 51st in Michelangelo Hotel (212-582-1310 ask for a booth). JUST ABOVE TIMES SQUARE. Great service! Good wine. Delightful experience whether you savor the 5 course tasting menu $91 or items from the primi and secondi menus. From the primi menu, we recommend the melt-in-your-mouth spinach pasta with béchamel and meat ragù $16/$26 and lemon orecchiette with lobster, capers, pine nuts, tagiasca olives, parsley and golden raisins $16/$26. From the secondi menu, enjoy major-to-die-for roasted lamb roulade with butternut squash, brussels sprouts and maitake mushrooms $35 and roasted duck breast with farrotto, cavolo nero, black trumpet mushrooms, salsify and cipollini onions. Chocolate budino with candied almonds and espresso cream $10. Also, private room for entertaining up to 35 people.

Michael's — 24 West 55th (212-767-0555). DELICIOUS SEASONAL FOODS. What a treat to sit at the window Table #1 and enjoy excellent food and fine service with friends. Halsey thinks the caramelized carved duck breast with duck confit, accompanied by braised cabbage, sour cream, and sweet potato blini $34 is among the best duck in the city. Jackie Davis, Executive Director, New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, thinks the grilled Colorado rack of lamb is fantastic $45. Another friend loved the pan roasted Atlantic cod with chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, saffron vanilla beurre blanc $36. Alice enjoys the appetizer of grilled marinated lobster, crispy polenta cake, sorrel and radish spouts with Rouille sauce $20. For a sinfully delicious dessert, try chocolate panna cotta, rhubarb, and sour cream ice cream $12.

Sea Grill — 19 West 49th (212-332-7610). RESTAURANTS & INSTITUTIONS IVY AWARD WINNER. It's fun to experience the excellent food, fine service, and ice skaters/tree at Rockefeller Center with friends. Halsey liked the rich, succulent chowder with lobster, shrimp, clams $14 followed by Wild Alaskan King Salmon with smoked bacon, autumn bean ragoût $38. Alice loved the line caught daurade royale with wilted spinach, lemon, caper, extra virgin olive oil $42. Chad Hershner, Vice President for Advancement, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, savored the Jones Farm baby lettuce, honeycrisp apples, fresh herbs, roasted tomato vinaigrette $13 and the melt-in-your-mouth-all-crab-meat jumbo lump crab cakes $38. Remarkable desserts $13.

Remi (''oars'' in Italian) — 145 West 53rd. JUST BEHIND THE HILTON/ELEGANT & ENERGETIC. (212-581-4242). Sandra Gibson, President & CEO, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Halsey, and Alice recommend sharing the ripe Florida tomatoes with string beans, yellow peppers, parmesan shavings, olive oil, aged balsamic $13.50; beef carpaccio with arugula and parmesan cheese $15.50; seared tuna medium rare seasoned with poppy seeds, roasted mixed vegetables, balsamic reduction $35.50; warm soft chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream $10; and ricotta cheesecake, caramelized pears, raspberry sauce $9. Prix fixe dinner 3:45-7:00 $38. Three private dining rooms.

Osteria Del Circo — 120 West 55th (212-265-3636). FUN AND CLASSY. We love sharing Tuscan homemade spaghetti with duck ragù $24 followed by Mamma Egi's incredible bufala ricotta and spinach ravioli with butter and sage $22. Or, arugula, endive, sliced apples, and bacon salad with blue cheese croquettes $15 followed by the Tuscan brick-pressed chicken, Cipolline onions, Swiss chard $27. Spectacular desserts, including cream-filled Tuscan doughnuts with cappuccino cream cup $10 and Griotte cherry meringue with fromage blanc mousse $10. Service is excellent. Pre/post theater 5:30-6:30/after 9:30 $35. Fun, glass-walled private dining room.

Milos — 125 West 55th (212-245-7400). EXTRAORDINARY FISH. Expensive, elegant Greek retreat. Prix fixe lunch $24.09. From the pre/post theater menu $49 5:00-6:30 and 10:00-11:45, we recommend cheese stuffed calamari with fresh mint followed by a whole, charcoal-grilled fish of the day with olive oil, lemon sauce; and walnut cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a special treat, make your selection from the fresh seafood displayed on ice. Susan Stockton, President, Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, also recommends enjoying a meal of appetizers at the bar.

Molyvos — 871 7th Ave at 56th (212-582-7500). CLASSIC GREEK FOOD. Tender marinated sea scallops, calamari, mussels, octopus, shrimp, lemon, extra virgin olive oil $15. Cabbage stuffed with lamb, beef, pork, Arborio rice, and plain or spiced yogurt garlic sauce $22. Braised savory marinated lamb shanks baked in a clay pot with orzo, tomatoes, Kefalotyri cheese $30. For dessert, light fritters drizzled with cinnamon thyme honey $9 or honey vanilla ice cream sundae with almond & pistachio praline, Samos caramel, shredded halva $9. Pre-theater $37 before 7:00/after 9:30 and all day Sunday.

Blue Fin — 1567 Broadway at 47th in W Hotel (212-918-1400). TIMES SQUARE & DELICIOUS. Tastes-like-homemade New England clam chowder with Manila clams, Yukon potatoes $9. Warm-goat-cheese salad with ruby red beets, pistachios, baby greens, balsamic vinaigrette $12. Sushi of spicy lobster, tuna, avocado, cilantro $16 and BBQ freshwater eel $14. 3 East 3 West oysters $16.Fantastic mahi mahi with black figs, sweet potato puree, beurre blanc reduction $26. Pan seared black bass with celery root puree, swiss chard, pancetta, pearl onions, Meyer lemon $27. Florida red grouper with butternut squash risotto, black trumpet mushrooms, sweet onion truffle emulsion $30. Chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, graham cracker ice cream $9. Homemade ice creams/sorbet $8.

Thalia — 828 8th Ave at 50th (212-399-4444). PRE-THEATRE PRIX FIXE and BRUNCH. The 3-course pre theatre menu $35 with wine flight $49 is available daily until 7 PM. At the weekend brunch 11:30-3 with complementary wine, Halsey enjoyed Lobster Benedict $16.95 and Alice the arugula and Maytag blue cheese salad with shaved fennel, Bosc pears, dried apricots tossed with lemon vinaigrette $9. Duet of yellow fin tuna $12 was delicious, too.

Vice Versa — 325 West 51st (212-399-9291). CONTEMPORARY NORTHERN ITALIAN FOOD. Halsey loves the sautéed calamari tart and artichokes over fresh radicchio salad $15 followed by grilled skirt steak with asparagus and parsley sauce $29. Alice loves the lobster salad with cherry tomatoes, string beans, balsamic vinaigrette $16.50 followed by the veal-raisin-amaretto-cookie-filled ravioli $19. The sesame coated seared salmon with mild horseradish sour cream and spinach $27 is remarkable. Great desserts. Pre fixe $35.

Rock Center Café — 20 West 50th (212-332-7621). WATCH SKATERS AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER. Jumbo shrimp, curry mayo $16. Toasted Farro and beef soup with pumpkin, pepitos $12. Crab and risotto cake $17/$34. Pork tenderloin, celery root-apple puree, lingonberry pork jus $26. Boneless roasted prime rib of beef au jus, Tuscan double baked potato $36. Key lime pie with blackberry sauce $9. Corn bread pudding with bourbon sauce $9.

B. Smith — 320 West 46th between 8th & 9th (212-315-1100). PACIFIC RIM MEETS OLD SOUTH. The fried green tomatoes, aged ricotta, roasted red pepper aioli $10 and Saigon shrimp rolls $10 are illustrative of the culturally diverse culinary mix here. We split the salad of slow roasted beets-goat cheese-walnuts-toasted sunflower seed vinaigrette on arugula $13/$19 and a generous, special roasted chicken dinner $30. Both were comfort food at its best. Next time, Halsey wants the pecan sweet potato pie $10 all to himself.

City Lobster & Crab Company — 121 West 49th (212-354-1717). FULL RAW BAR/NEW ENGLAND LOBSTER/ CLAM BAKE. Home-run lobster and shell fish dishes. Pre-theater $32.95 Mon-Thurs -6:30 pm, 3-lb lobster special $58.95 Tue-Sat 4-8 pm, and 2-lb lobster special $38.95 Sun-Mon 3-8 pm.

Triomphe — 49 West 44th between 5th & 6th in the Iroquois Hotel (212-453-4233). FOR A VERY SPECIAL EVENING. We recommend the excellent butternut squash wantons, herbed broth, truffle oil $11; seared coriander crusted Australian lamb rack, foie-gras stuffed prunes, spinach, port wine $33 or braised veal short ribs, crimini mushrooms, farina, spinach, red currant preserves $32; and chocolate hazelnut pots de crème with whipped cream $9. Also, lovely private room called Le Petit Triomphe with its own bar.

Churrascaria Plataforma — 316 West 49th (212-245-0505) BRAZILIAN. Buffet of appetizers/salads then 17 different grilled MEATS ON SKEWERS. Pre fixe lunch $35.95/dinner $55.95. Desserts/beverages extra. Great group dining.

© 2010 The North Group Inc. All rights reserved. The North Group Inc. is an arts-management consulting firm assisting nonprofit arts organizations across the country with fundraising, capital fund drives, feasibility studies, strategic planning, and organizational development. Contact: Halsey and Alice North, 2250 Broadway #20B, NYC 10024, 212-875-8423, fax 212-875-8425, halseyalice@northgroup.biz, www.northgroup.biz.