THE MODERN, New York, USA

A bite in the Big Apple is not cheap so when in doubt check out the Museums. I found The Modern at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) a good choice for lunch. With its separate street-level entrance on West Fifty-third Street it allows diners to enjoy the restaurant and bar beyond Museum hours.

The Modern is a fine dining restaurant offering original Alsatian inspired cuisine in the Dining room which overlooks the Sculpture Garden or, there is the more casual Bar Room dinning area which is good for lunch. Here I enjoyed a small cassoulet of tongue (which I know has a limited audience) and seafood fare.

The meals were pleasantly presented and the portions a manageable size instead of the usual American pyramid of food. Wine may be ordered from an extensive international list, by the glass if preferred.
Price: US$15-50
Address: 9 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
Rating: ***

GRAND TIER RESTAURANT, New York, USA

You need a ticket for the Opera to dine here which makes for an expensive meal, plus a reservation as it opens just 2 hours before performances.

Nicely situated over looking a green thoroughfare, the restaurant has a pleasant ambience which suits its glamorously garbed clientele.

The menu is rather old fashioned but you are able to order several entrees for a light meal before a performance (or during intermission), rather than a heavy main meal, so I combined a Cauliflower Cappuccino soup and a vegetarian tempura entrée with a glass of chilled Californian chardonnay. The wine list was adequate if unexciting. Whilst not exactly cutting edge food, it was nicely presented and enjoyable and of course speed was of the essence from the service personnel.
Price: US$17-80
Address: Lincoln Centre, W 64th St. at Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY
Rating: ***