NYC trip itinerary... thoughts?

Looks good. I think PDT is overrated. I would also probably substitute Filene's with Soho. Some really good (expensive) boutiques there if you are interested. Consider Peter Luger's, it is just as good as Strip House, and you can say you visited Brooklyn too this way.

Check out St. Marks and the East Village too for a different side of Manhattan.

If you can move quickly there is so mcuh to see, and based on your stated interests I think you can do it all...maybe shell out a few $ on cabs.

PDT was really really great, but like all things word got out and now its a destination where people go just to say they have been. Its on St. Mark's though, call and get a reservation at 3, see the other stuff around there and enjoy a drink...they are very good. I like Pegu a lot, esp early before the crowds. Bonus point, Florencia 13 on Sullivan nearby serves flaming margaritas in pint glasses...and if you walk that far, why not go to Mamoun's for a $2 falafel...you might wind up gaining some weight this trip!

Di Fara and Shake Shack, be prepared to wait, not that the food is bad...you just might wonder what all the fuss is about. One point...there is an "express line" at Shake Shack for certain items...you can eat somewhere else and go to Shake Shack for ice cream only. Honestly, the burgers are not that wonderful, I find Burger Joint's at Le Parker Meridien are better + near midtown shopping.

Chelsea and Union Square Filenes are very close and there are a lot of other good places in between them to see. If you are in on a weekend make sure to his the Union Square green market. I bought two giant zucchinis (because they were 2 for 1 after 4) on saturday and wandered around the city with them, which IMO is perfectly normal. Nothing wrong with Strip House...esp if you are dining with a female...most steak houses in the city are very good, see related threads. Steak was very good, not incredibly impressed with sides.

Back and forth in the afternoon on Path is going to be something of a hassle, but long days can be too long so I guess it's worth it if you'll be out later.

Don't waste your time in NYC on Filene's Basement. If you are interested in bargain shopping, try the more NYC specific places (Loehmann's, Century 21), but they can be insane, and I'd rather spend more time at the Met.

Since you seem to be somewhat artistically empathic, as long as you're going to the Met you should also consider going to the Neue Gallery and the Frick Museum. Each is withing a stone's throw of the Met and both provide experiences that you won't find in any other city. Also, they each are usually relatively quiet and nice respites from the madhouse that the Met galleries can achieve.

Look up Aurora in Soho for a TOP quality meal in a more intimate space than Budokan. Get cocktails beforehand at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

I completely agree. Also check out The Corner Bistro in the West Village.

Waiting in the lunch hour line at the Meridien is almost unbearable. But when you bite into that burger...

Below are a few links with tips on the wait at Di Fara's. Pick your time carefully and maybe call ahead. If it's a weekend lunch it may not be worth it considering the train ride. My almost 2-hour wait the one night I went was stressful as the place is disorganized thus worry they've forgot your pie.

Flavor was very good and fun to watch the legend in action, but I prefer Grimaldi's in Dumbo for its lighter less oily pie.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/544730

http://madisonandmayberry.typepad.co...s_worth_t.html

http://slice.seriouseats.com/archive...t_di_fara.html