NYC For 3 Weeks--Specific Requests

In November, I'll be spending three weeks in New York for staged readings of my new musical. I'll be staying at 47th and 3rd, and working at 54th and Lexington. I'll have a kitchenette apartment, but probably won't have time to cook, so I could use some recommendations (or directions to a previous thread) for the following:

Late Night Carryout/Delivery: Asian, pizza, Thai, whatever.

Breakfast: Nothing fancy, but fresh baked goods and hi-octane coffee a plus.

A Place To Celebrate: We'll probably be taking out a group (8-12) after the opening. Ideally, I'd like an old-school Italian place in the neighborhood that stays open late and has a private or semi-private room. You know, the real place they modeled Maggiano's after.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Remember that 20 blocks north or south is only about a mile. So don't panic if you don't see anything within a blacok of your hotel.

There are tons of pastry and coffee shops in the neighborhood of where you are staying (which sounds like the Helmsley Middletown Hotel). Names escape me. But, you just need to walk to the corner of 47th and 3rd for your morning joe and croissant.

There is a Carmine's in the theatre district that may serve up what you're looking for in terms of old school italian served family style in huge portions. it's kind of touristy as is it's midtown counterpart Tony's of Napoli. I like the food at Carmine's for a big group.

But, if you're looking for a real old school, gray haired, sport coat wearing New York Italian American place frequented by locals rather than tourists, I recommend Villa Berulia, about 13 blocks south of your hotel on 34th Street at Park Avenue.

They make a really great vodka sauce that they serve over penne tossed at your table. And frankly, they make the best osso buco I've ever tasted in my life.

Villa Berulia is old school and off the beaten path. The Babboo crowd will sneer at you for eating there because the food isn't modern and contemporary. But, it's damn good.

Villa Berulia
107 E. 34th Street
212-689-1970
www.villaberulia.com

Carmine's Theater District
200 W 44th
212-221-3800
www.carminesnyc.com

Tony's di Napoli (not recommended)
147 W 43rd
www.tonysnyc.com

Ethos is a fantastic Greek place on 3rd and 34th. Pick your dead fish displayed on ice and have them grill it or prepared any other way of your choice. Not particularly cheap, but great food. It's not a large dining room, so may not work for your "party" but worth a visit during your 3 weeks.

Ethos
495 Third Ave.
(between 33rd & 34th Sts.)
212-252-1972