Kathy, some of the best food is in little hole-in-the-wall cafes, where you can sit at a tiny sidewalk table and watch the people go by. These are everywhere -- just pick one with an interesting menu! Plenty of inexpensive food in Chinatown. Cannoli and pizza in Little Italy. Delis. All kinds of ethnic food. To Lola's visit-list, I'd add the Rose Planetarium. I also really liked the ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Gims, hamburgers??? I'm a native of NYC, and hardly remember hamburgers at all. But I love the cheesecake! And always indulge in a big warm pretzel with mustard from a street cart vendor.

As far as food that you won't find in Cali -- check the deli menus -- spinach-stuffed fresh flounder is amazing!