USC Football Comes to New York Dining

There is only one city in the world that I would fly across country just to dine in and then fly right back. I suppose I may do it with Vegas too, but the point is that New York is the world's greatest dining city, period. As someone who dines in New York dozens of times per year (and has done this for many years), and as someone who happens to love food right up there with his love of USC football, I can not sit back and watch my Trojan family head to the city this weekend with inadequate dining assertions. The stakes are too high, my friends.(1) A steakhouse: The good news is there are few ways to go wrong. I am very biased to Bobby Van's, specifically the Bobby Van's at 46th and Park Avenue. Tell Johnny at the bar that David from Newport Beach sent you and I promise you will be happy. I do love Del Frisco's, but so do 14 million other visitors per night. A surprise hit is Frankie & Johnny's at 45th & 8th near the theaters. It's been around forver, and is far batter than I am used to in the theater district. Sparks down on Second Avenue is where Gotti had Paul Castellanos killed in 1985. Yes, that is a selling point. Ben Benson's is now gone (Obama economy strikes again). You can't go wrong, but Bobby Van's is fantastic,(2) Most delightful dining experience in the city: Le Bernardin on 51st & 6th/7th. Seafood with a French flare; worth every penny. Bring a lot of pennies.(3) A man who goes to NYC and does not eat Chinese food is a man I do not want in my life. He is maybe no man at all. Mr. K's at 51st and Lexington is a no-brainer, especially with Tse Yang now gone. Shun Lee Palace at 55th and 3rd is worthy of consideration as well. I just love them both.(4) Picholine at 69th and Central Park West has the best tasting/wine pairing you will find, and the creativity and flavors that come bursting through in each selection command respect, appreciation, and seriousness of purpose. An unforgettable experience.(5) San Pietro at 54th and Madison is my favorite spot in the city - Italian, lamb, ossu bucco, all the necessities. Worth everything they charge you. Go big.(6) A drink and bar food at the 21 Club is dependable (52nd and 6th/5th)(7) Breakfast: Sarabeth's by the park (getting touristy, but worth it); Norma's in Le Parker Meridien at 56th & 6th is divine.There is so much more to say. Do an elegant lunch at the Four Seasons on 53rd and Park/Lex (no connection to the hotel) for one of the most unique, high-end city dining experiences you will have (do a week-day)