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Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! Do they still have those wonderful hash browns? I assume that the steaks are still wonderful. Eagerly awaiting your full restaurant review!

MJ, I couldn't help but notice the two guys in the background of that picture. One guy's cigarette was clearly visible, and I'm assuming his buddy was also outside just taking a drag. This photo appears to have been taken during NON-peak dinner hours. That makes the non-smoker to smoker ratio is probably 2:1; 3-0 if YOU'VE got a Marlboro tucked behind your cupped hand.

I've been told that since WI has now implemented a similar draconian non-smoking policy for all PRIVATE BUSINESSES as NYC has in effect, the scene outside of NYC bars and resturants will be exactly the same as those here in Wisconsin. Have you noticed this while in NYC?

Maybe our city leaders can create a mini 'Broadway' on Water Street. The 'extras' smoking cigs on the sidewalks have already been mandated. ;)

The guy in the background with the hat was a valet, so he would have been outside anyway. I don't smoke, this photo was taken as we had finished up dinner and were walking back to the train to get back to Manhattan. For the record, our dinner reservations were at 4:45, so this photo was taken around 6:00.

I know where you are headed, Stubby, and though I agree with you about the stupid law, I can say that I never really noticed many smokers outside of restaurants. However, the culture in NY is so much different. For the most part we stayed in "tourist" areas so I don't really know how New Yorkers are handling the non-smoking.

One ordinance that we did run into that I can't decide if I agree with or not is one in which a business that props its outside doors open can be fined. The rationale is that keeping the doors open makes the a/c work harder, and therefore uses more energy. On the other hand, especially on 100 degree days, businesses want their doors open kind of like a marketing ploy... you walk past and get a breeze of cool air and theoretically you might be enticed to enter that business. New York was handing out fines while we were there for breaking this ordinance.