I CELEBRATED MY BIRTHDAY AT THIS BISTRO IN NEW YORK CITY -- Recently, I celebrated my birthday with a Girlfriends Getaway in the Big Apple. My pals and I chose Jubilee a casual yet sophisticated French bistro that is a neighbourhood favorite. Jubilee serves a prix-fixe dinner menu between 5:00-7:00 PM. Two courses for $25 and three for $30. There were not only couples and groups of diners when we were there but we saw several solo women diners as well. We enjoyed an excellent atmosphere and very good food. Address: 948 1st Ave. 994848. Reservations suggested.

Submitted by Sunny, Tel Aviv, Israel

HIGH TEA WITH A DIFFERENCE IN NYC -- New York hotels like the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Carlyle and Crosby Street Hotel offers splendid high teas. But only Lady Mendl's Tea Room at the Inn at Irving Place offers high tea and time travel. The multi-course tea is served in the twin parlors of a 19th-century brownstone that was once a speakeasy. But the aura is pure Age of Innocence - or Downton Abbey. The quiet, high-ceilinged rooms feel outfitted with silk sofas and low tables feel like cocoons. Never mind that interior designer Elsie de Wolfe, aka Lady Mendl, never lived here and would have loathed the Victorian frou frou surroundings. One sip of Lapsang Souchong (or smokey Russian Caravan laced with bergamot) - and one slice of Lady Mendl's Mille Crepe Cake -- and you'll be transported another time. Address: Lady Mendl's Tea Room at the Inn at Irving Place, 212 533-4466; open Monday - Friday, 3:00 pm or 5:00 pm seating; Saturday - Sunday, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm or 5:00 pm seating; 12:00 pm seating Wednesday & Friday. $35 per person; wine, juice and bottled water additional. Reservations required.

Submitted by Terry Trucco (New York City) Website: www.overnightnewyork.com

BEST INEXPENSIVE CHINESE FOOD IN NEW YORK CITY -- Xi'an Famous Foods is a newfound discovery for me (but not for my friends, who were appalled that I hadn't eaten here prior!). This hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves spicy, lamb-filled dishes at unbeatable prices. From the burgers served on thin buns to the spicy, cumin-doused lamb over thick rice noodles, everything I've eaten here has been delicious. Address: 81 St. Marks Place, New York, NY. Do it, ladies!

Submitted by Jodi Ettenberg, Website: www.legalnomads.com Twitter: @legalnomads

OUR FAVORITE BRUNCH SPOT IN NEW YORK CITY -- writes New York Habitat in NYC -- There are so many restaurants in our city but for a typical Saturday brunch we recommend, Chat & Chew. We think it's a good unpretentious restaurant for visitors to the Big Apple. Our favorite dishes include Macaroni & Cheese or the Yo Mamma Butter Pecan Pancakes with bananas. Yum! Address: 10 East 16th Street.

Submitted by New York Habitat Twitter: @NewYorkHabitat

LOVED THE EATALY ITALIAN MARKET IN NYC -- The next time you are in Manhattan try to visit Eataly. It has an upmarket food hall feel, much like Selfridges and Harrods but the food products are all Italian. It's energetic, upbeat and happening, a fantastic lunch spot! Thoroughly enjoyed the pizza and salad! Address: 200 Fifth Avenue. P.S. Eataly also offers tours of the market called: Eat-Ineraries. The description on their website: reads: 'Not quite sure where to start, how to navigate this massive market or just want to learn more? Let one of our senior staff members lead you through a guided tour. He or she will be sure to cover every corner with a behind the scenes peek at each department. You will also be treated to delicious tastes along the way. Space is limited to a very small group. Fee: $35

Submitted by Meera In Dubai, U.A.E.

WHAT TO DO IN NYC ON MONDAY WHEN THEATRES ARE DARK? -- I love Monday Night Magic, the city's longest running Off-Broadway magic show, now at The Players Theatre in Greenwich Village. No massive Vegas-style props or white tigers here. MNM features veteran magicians who rely on little more than personality and unbelievable sleight-of-hand skills to enthrall audiences. Who knows who you'll end up sitting beside? Mick Jagger's been spotted there. Order tickets ahead of time and you'll save a few bucks.

Submitted by Lesley Peterson (Toronto, Canada). Website: http://culturetripper.com/ Twitter: @culturetripper

CHECK OUT THIS HAMBURGER JOINT AT LE PARKER MERIDIAN -- Meals at midtown hotels are designed for expense accounts. But not all of them. Burger Joint at Le Parker Meridien on West 57th Street is exactly what the name implies -- a hamburger heaven that serves up big, fat, juicy burgers in humble digs at agreeable prices. Yes, there's usually a line, but it moves fast. Forget plates. The $6.89 burgers and $7.35 cheeseburgers come wrapped in butcher paper -- and are worth the wait, even in an impatient city. Address: Burger Joint, Le Parker Meridien, 119 West 57th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues (and steps from Carnegie Hall).

Submitted by Terry Trucco (New York City) Website: www.overnightnewyork.com

SAVE MONEY WITH THIS TIP -- The Upper East side of Manhattan is best for exploring the local flavors away from the tourist traps. Restaurants and delis are cheaper here. Get off at the Hunter College stop at 68 St and walk uptown along Third Avenue. Head to Second Avenue for inexpensive dining or drinks or coffee especially in the areas from 72 St and Second Ave. to 86 Street.

Submitted by Olga, New York City, USA

Free Tours by Foot is my new favourite walking tour company, because all of their tours are offered for free, including three food tours (you only pay for the foods you decide to sample along the way). During my visit last February, I joined their Greenwich Village Walking Tour and was so glad that I did, even though most of it was in the rain. Our guide Renee was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and was happy to answer any questions we had. The only thing they ask in return is for you to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it’s done. Then all you have to do is tip accordingly. There is no pressure, and it was definitely worth the $10 that I handed to Renee with a big thank-you. Groups are kept small, and it’s fun to find out where the other participants are from and what drew them to this particular tour.

Submitted by Debra, Toronto, Canada