Midtown West, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown

Midtown West is mostly a commercial, business and tourist area that includes NYC's famous Diamond District, Hell's Kitchen and Koreatown. Hell's Kitchen, within midtown, is the most western section and and an "up-and-coming residential area of New York City with new shops and restaurants opening often. Koreatown, just a block from the Empire State Building, is known for their restaurants and karaoke bars and clubs.

Things to Do

Empire State Building (350 5th Ave, 33nd/34rd) – $20 Adult, $14 ages 6-12, under 12 free. Go early to avoid the lines, or get an Express Pass ($42). There are 3 lines to get in: 1) security line, mandatory for all, 2) ticket line, unless you have pre-purchased tickets. 3) Elevators to the Observatory. Express Pass holders get priority at all three lines. While I've heard the Skyride is a tourist trap, I have never personally experienced it.

King Tut Exhibit (226 W 44th St, 7th/8th Aves) - Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs returns to NYC after more than 30 years. (sorry, haven’t been yet, cannot comment). $27.50 Adults, $17.50 (4-12), Under 4 free. 4/23/10 through 1/2/2011.

Intrepid Museum (Pier 86, 166 W 46th St at 12th Ave) - centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid (CVS-11), and features a range of interactive exhibits and events about heroism. Educational, planes, war and a view of the Hudson River. $19.50 Ad, $14.50 C, $15.50 Sr, under 2 free.

Madison Square Garden/ Penn Station (7th Ave, 31st/33rd) –catch the Rangers (hockey), Knicks (basketball) or concert in the main arena or a show at the WaMu Theater. Offer an All-Access Tour, daily every 30 min, 11am -3pm, $18.50 adult, $12 under 12. Visit team locker rooms, learn how basketball court turns into an ice-rink, meet a Knicks City Dancer, and history, such as where Joe Frazier took on Muhammad Ali for the first time.

Also see Times Square.

Midtown West Recommended Restaurants

Cognac (55th, Bway) - Have a cocktail while sitting outside, people watching. Same owners as Serafina.

Molyvos (7th Ave, 55th/ 56th) - excellent Greek, small plates, near Central Park. Carnegie Deli right across the street.

Le Bernardin (155 W 51st, 7th Ave) – French/Seafood. One of the city’s top restaurants, many swear it’s their all time favorite meal. Service, food and décor is impeccable. Also great for lunch (prix-fixe: 3 course lunch, $66; 4 course dinner, $109)

Meskerem (468 W 47th , 10th Ave) – Ethiopian. Inexpensive, interesting, and if you’ve never eaten by using spongy bread to pick up your food (no utensils), it’s fun and a must-try. Most spicy and many vegetarian friendly.

Restaurant Row (46th St, 8th/9th Aves) – 30 restaurants on one block, most “touristy,” all for Broadway theatre crowd, serving prix-fixe specials.

Esca (402 W 43rd St., 9th Ave) Italian /seafood. Another Batali gourmet winner.

41 ½ (622 10th Ave, 44th St) – Nouveau American (mac n cheese, fried chicken, ribs), less touristy than other theater restaurants, outdoor bamboo garden.

Rosa’s Pizza (in Penn Station) – believe it or not, some say this is their favorite pizza in NYC. And the cheapest beer anywhere.

Koreatown – 32nd St, 5th/Broadway – most any restaurant is a great choice, and right next to the Empire State Building.

Midtown West Shopping

Lord and Taylor (424 5th Ave, 38th/39th) – classic NY department store with elegant and stylish merchandise, great dress selection for all ages. Best suited for the over-40 crowd (it was my Grandmother's favorite back in the day!)

Macy’s (151 W 34th St, 7th Ave)– Herald Square – many people love the landmark, Macy's, founder of the most famous Thanksgiving Day Parade and backdrop of "Miracle on 34th Street." The store is huge (2 city blocks, 9 Floors). Crowded, very congested area, little else around it, lacking sales staff and probably little merchandise you can’t find at home or online.

Daffy’s (W 34th, 6th Ave) – great discount department store, lots of European labels. Hit or miss, depends on the day, but if you love a good bargain, and are in the neighborhood, worth a look.