I'm going to NYC for a few days and I was curious....

Where I live it is not an issue whatsoever to split a meal with someone.

My daughter and a few friends are going and I always split a meal and wondering if most restaurants in Manhattan are okay with that or do I need to show them my Lap-Band card or if most charge an extra plate charge?

Thanks!

I live in Manhattan. It totally depends on the restaurant and the time of day. Some have a minimum per person, some charge a special plate sharing fee. Most places you should have no problem. Whatever the rule is should be printed on the menu.

Thanks!......any recommendations for "must shops" or "must eats"? I've been once and so excited about shopping and seeing the city at Christmas!

you should be fine. Im a native, and unless it is a super swank place it shouldnt be a problem. And if one restaurant has a problem with it go next door to one that wont. The luxury of Manhattan is the variety. For the right price no one will tell you no.

For dinner, it depends on what you want, how much you want to spend and how far you are willing to travel to get it. <br /> My choices mostly reflect dessert as my fav place for dinner is my best friend's house.<br /> so....<br /> Ferrara's in little italy<br /> eleni's bakery in the chelsea market (where the oreo was invented)<br /> Magnolia bakery in the village<br /> <br /> no wonder I needed to be banded<br /> <br /> Must shop? Sad to say but Im still too fat to wear much more than Lane Bryant. Also, I dont shop in the city, I shop in Jersey.

For eating, there is probably going to be no issue. If there is anything it is a plate sharing charge of a few bucks and this is always printed on the menu.

For shopping with cost in mind, stop in Daffy*s for great bargains (they are a chain so there are multiple stores). Daffy's High Fashion. Low Prices. :: Home Page

Also, Loehman's is great for deals. loehmans.com

Since everything is decorated for the holidays you can't pass up Macy*s Herald's Sqaure where some of the escalators are the original wood escalators from way back in the day.

Also, you will likely go down 5th avenue to see the window displays, etc. you will see Saks (across the street from Rock Center), Tiffany*s, etc. right in the same 10 blocks (5th Avenue at 58th down to 48th).

If you are still in the mood for bargains, H&M's flagship store is on 5th avenue in this vicinity as well as Zara. Fun shopping at both.

Have a wonderful time!!! You are going to love it.

Loehmann's

Also, if you plan on being in lower Manhattan, Century 21 directly overlooking ground zero is a NY institution for great finds.

Century 21 Department Store is their site.

Enjoy!!!

Yay.....I'm so excited! Thanks for all the tips!