Can anyone recommend some hip restaurants to try out that are moderately priced ($30-$40 entree range). A friend and I will be in town in a couple of weeks and would like to "splurge" on a nice dinner. I've tried to make reservations at Mesa Grill but no luck. I'm a foodie and am open to different cuisines. Please help!!!

The latest in hip are the restaurants of the Meatpacking District. Try Morimoto, Del Poso, Buddakan, or the ever-reliable and fabulous Spice Market. You might have better luck booking on opentable.com, though not all restaurants subscribe. I wouldn't call Telepan "hip," but the food is incredible! Google it to find their web site.

Typo: should have said Del Posto.

My nephew celebrated a birthday at Morimoto and had a wonderful time. He loved the food. He travels the country and is a foodie too.

First, thank your lucky stars that you couldn't get through to Mesa Grill - it has seen better days.

Check out my favorite new web site - [www.savorynewyork.com]

You can search by neighborhood, it has videos and liats all the reviews - I swear by it.

I've eaten at Babbo and the Spotted Pig recently as well as at Vong (a JG's restuarant), I also loved The Tasting Room, Blue Fin and Il Buco.