Do you have any regular restaurants that are always good for you with the band? Upscale and casual both. We go out to dinner a lot and a couple times I've found next to nothing to eat. When I order soup as my entree people give me a funny look (people meaning friends that don't know about the band). Any suggestions? We live Upper East but are happy to travel. Brooklyn too.

I work in midtown too and can't believe there's even an issue with finding food that agrees with your band. We have everything around here. I ate at La Bonne Soupe on 55th Street yesterday before my fill. Shared the pate and had a bowl of soup as my entree -- no one bats an eye when you have soup at the soup place but I'd stay away from their quiche which is crust heavy and not as eggy as it used to be. I also find people don't notice what you eat if you keep the conversation going. They're much more interested in their own food in general. In this neighborhood I also love Bice ($$$$), Il Corso ($$$) and Sushiya has the most delicious black miso cod that is served on spinach. Sushi places are also great for sashimi and tuna tataki... there are so many options. As for Pump - they have a grilled chicken with low fat cheese and spinach on a whole grain roll that is good but does need salt -- all their healthy food does! There is also a Cuban place on 56th, Tina's I think it's called, and they do platters of pernil (or other meat), Beans and rice that are so huge that everyone takes home the left overs and no one will notice you eating smaller amounts. I also eat hamburgers without the bun at Cassidy's and they'll sub a salad for fries with no questions.

I live in Brooklyn and eat out regularly on Smith Street. Zaytoons has great kabobs and platters and they are really inexpensive too. I've had really good brunches at Apt 138, Coco Roco and half a dozen other places. It's really just about knowing what to order and then you can eat anywhere -- even Chinese food.