1. Bar Americain
Bobby Flay tackles the brasserie idiom, American style, with shrimp and grits, cioppino, and a Kentucky hot brown.
152 W. 52nd St., nr. Seventh Ave.; 212-265-9700

2. Wu Liang Ye
The best of this Sichuan mini-chain’s branches is just a dumpling’s toss from the tree.
36 W. 48th St., nr. Sixth Ave.; 212-398-2308

3. American Girl Café
Christmas is for kids; so is this doll emporium and its cutesy-pie café.
609 Fifth Ave., at 49th St.; 212-371-2220

4. Morrell Wine Bar & Café
A 2,000-plus-bottle wine list with 150 by-the-glass selections to accommodate any Yuletide anxiety.
1 Rockefeller Plaza; 212-262-7700

5. Alfredo of Rome
Try the signature fettuccine, the Italian “sushi,” and the pizza con carne.
4 W. 49th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-397-0100

See Also:
Madison Avenue Pit Stops

Related:

• Archive: “Food Features”
• Articles by Rob Patronite | Robin Raisfeld
• Table of Contents: Dec 5, 2005 issue of New York | Subscribe!