Okay, New Year's Eve. As I was mentioning in the other discussion, the first decision you should make is do you want to be with the crowds in Times Square or get reservations at an indoor place with a view.

Here are the considerations:

In Times Square:
• Pros: right in the middle of everything, unbeatable view if you're in the right spot, free, no tickets needed
• Cons: you have to get there hours early to get a good spot (i.e. before 7:00 PM), it may be cold, no bathrooms provided

Inside with a view:
• Pros: arrive whenever you want, warm, bathroom facilities, less hectic and chaotic than outside
• Cons: obscenely expensive even for mediocre places ($200 Olive Garden buffet?), advance reservations needed, not quite the same experience

It's really a personal preference, so let me know what you think.

Lining up at Times Square is a challenge, since they close off one street after another as the crowds fill up. There's no exact timing for this since it depends on when the crowds come. But here's how it turned out last year:

• 5:30 PM: crowds filled up from 42nd St to 48th St
• 6:00 PM: crowds filled up to 52nd St
• 10:00 PM: crowds filled up to 58th St
• 10:30 PM: crowds filled up to 59th St

"Times Square Proper" ends at 47th St (that's about where the Olive Garden is). You still have a great view up to 49th St. The farther you go into the 50s the harder it's going to be to see.

So really, the earlier you're willing to arrive the better. I'd go for a super-early dinner (is 4:00 reasonable?) and try and use your best judgement. But don't stress out too much. Even if you get there at 9:00 it's not the end of the world and you'll still be part of the crowd. But if you can make it south of 49th St you'll be in an absolutely perfect spot.

The official Times Square New Year's site is here. This is your best resource for understanding all the details and knowing what the schedule is. Make sure to check it out a few times before making the jump. Not everything is scheduled yet so they'll continue to update it as New Year's draws nearer.

No tickets, you just show up. So at least that part is easy.

As for restaurants, don't worry about eating close to Times Square. In fact, it's probably better to get a bit away from Times Square, away from the chaos. Even if you eat outside your hotel it's only a 10 minute subway or cab ride to Times Square. So you'll never be too far away.

You want a nice place, right? Here are some suggestions:

• Union Square Cafe - A classic Union Square institution that sources its ingredients from the local farmer's market. Steak, oysters, and other American fare. Steps from your hotel.
• Gramercy Tavern - One of New York's most famous restaurants serving superbly executed American fare in either a formal dining room or a casual rustic "tavern". If interested, reserve ASAP.
• Landmarc Time Warner Center - Well-executed American fare (try the bone marrow) in a cavernous space overlooking Central Park. Conveniently located at Columbus Circle, at the tail end of the Times Square crowd.
Tribeca Grill - A signature restaurant in a gorgeous old building in the heart of Tribeca. The farthest place from Times Square.

Okay, keep in mind Landmarc doesn't take reservations for your party of 3. It might be really chaotic around there, so definitely don't arrive late. If you have problems getting in, there are a few other restaurants on the premises (A Voce is your best bet, the others will probably be fully booked up but you can check). Otherwise, walk west on 57th St to 9th Ave and you'll find a bunch of options. There's also a decent Italian place, Strada 57 on 57th St between 8th and 9th Ave.

Mark, I've put together a special "Your Guide To New Year's" chapter in your guide. This organizes everything we've been talking about and gives you some maps, to help you out.

Just be a bit flexible with your schedule (it's really hard to have rigid plans for this event) and you'll have a great time.

No problem. Glad to help. :)