Bites of the Apple

AER LINGUS is now offering such tempting deals to New York that growing numbers are whizzing over to the Big Apple just for the weekend.

The low dollar makes it very tempting to indulge in a little retail therapy. New York has endless temptation for everyone, from art lovers and theatre buffs to museum aficionados and of course gourmands.

Many of the hottest restaurants of the moment are owned by Mario Batali and Jo Bastianich. I couldn't believe my luck this year when I made a chance phone call from the taxi on my way in from the airport and managed to get a table at Babbo. The Zagat Guide gives it a cool 27 out of 30 for "pushing the culinary envelope" with their robust adventurous Italian food. They go on to remark that getting a table is akin to winning the "powerball lottery".