There is a relatively new restaurant named 7 Square located at 224 West 49th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue (212 333-7749). A close relationship with the adjoining Time Hotel provides a lounge above the restaurant where breakfast and later snacks with cocktails can be obtained from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m.

We entered this very modern spot at noontime, and nearby business executives and others were having lunch. We were assigned to Ben, who was born in Israel but has spent most of his life in New York City. He was a good guide. Soon some warm rosemary-garlic cornbread was brought as we perused the menu.

We noticed that only American wines are served, and a goodly selection of bottles, half-bottles and glasses are available. Our choices were Beringer Estate Sauvignon Blanc, California, for my companion and Apex Merlot from Yakima Valley, Washington, for me. Both were fine and wines by the glass range from $8.50 to $13.

For cocktails we could not resist the Harvest Mojito of Big Apple Bacardi, Fresh Lime and muddled Mint for my companion and when I spied Jackberry Sour of Jack Daniels, Chambord and Fresh Lemon, I knew it was for me. Both drinks were outstanding and others include Peach Melba, Pom Rickey with Pomegranate juice, Chocolate Dream, Honey Blossom and Blood Orange Crush.

From the list of starters we selected 7 Square Caesar Salad and "Dirty Rice" Risotto. The salad was shredded romaine lettuce, crusty croutons, a poached egg and delicious bacon. The risotto contained duck confit, smoked duck, ham, andouille and green onion. Other starters include Prime Beef Tartare, New England Clam Chowder, a tasting of artisan hams served four ways, and Roasted Beef Salad. Prices start at $8.

Our entrees were Niman Ranch Pork Chop for me and Root Beer Braised Short Ribs for my companion which arrived accompanied by some good parsnip puree. With these substantial choices we had Carmelized Brussels Sprouts and marvelous Roasted Wild Mushrooms. Other lunch entrees include Roasted Atlantic Halibut, Local Wild Striped Bass, Roast Chicken Cobb Salad, 7 Square Hamburger, Wolfe's Neck Farm Rib Eye and Niman Ranch Hanger Steak Sandwich. Prices start at $13 for the hamburger. The sides are $6 each.

All of the food was well-presented and very innovative in its cooking.

When dessert time came we had a 7 Square Float with a shot of gosling dark rum and Dougie's Chocolate "Square Ding," chocolate glazed devil's food cake with chantilly filling, and a chocolate Malt Shake on the side. All were terrific. Other desserts are Sweet Potato Tart, Coconut Banana Fritters, Deep Dish Apple Pie, and Cinnamon Doughnuts. Desserts start at $8. A platter of American cheeses is also is available at $14.

Dinner entrees are about the same with such additions as Veal Chop, Crusted Skate, and Gingersnap Crusted Salmon.

There is both a continental breakfast and a buffet. There is also a "build your own omelet" choice. Buffet breakfast is $14.95; the Continental is $12.50. Breakfast is served in the lounge above the restaurant.

For a fascinating experience dining on some good food with often unusual accompaniments, 7 Square is the place to go. Incidentally, the name comes from 7 as the square root of 49 (the street where it lives), and 7 is a lucky number!

Hours: Lunch: Monday - Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner: Monday - Thursday. 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat until Midnight. Brunch: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday: All day 11:30 a.m. To 8 p.m.
Credit Cards: Visa, Maser Card, American Express
Wheelchair accessibility: Yes Price: $$$

Las Vegas has arrived in NYC on 42nd Street. Dave & Buster's at 234 West 42nd Street is providing the excitement with lots of high volume music, fascinating lighting and many video games, huge TV screens, and a midway with simulators and souvenirs including T-shirts to enjoy. In addition to all the razzle-dazzle there is a vast menu with an active bar open to all kinds of exotic drinks. Diners enter at street level and take an escalator to the Third Floor where everything is happening. You can play games and get snacks but we opted for a sit-down lunch in the large dining area. 1200 people can be accommodated at one time and there are private rooms for small groups (1 646 495 2015).

Our guide to the intricacies of the elaborate menu was Jacqueline Gonzalez from Ontario, California, and she was most helpful. With all the fancy drinks described on the menu we selected Big Wave Dave for me and Million Dollar Margarita for my companion. My drink was made with vodka, watermelon and blue curacao while my companion's margarita had Grand Marnier, Tequila and Blue Curacao presented in a shaker. With these fancy drinks we felt we needed a nibble and received some excellent Chicken Nachos which were done with jalapenos, black beans, tomatoes, onions and melted cheese. These were served with sour cream and salsa.

There is a Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. when drinks are 1/2 off and there is $1 off on beer and wine.

We wanted to taste as many dishes as possible, so we ordered cups of the excellent soup of the day which was Chicken Tortilla.

We had some of the House Salad of several greens, tomato wedges, shredded cheese and crispy tortilla strips served with a fine vinaigrette dressing. Other entrée salads include Parmesan Crusted Chicken Caesar, Brazilian Steak Salad and Green Goddess Shrimp Salad.

From the extensive menu we selected a combination platter of Char- Grilled Sirloin and Coconut Battered Shrimp which was accompanied by delicious mashed potatoes enhanced with onions, bacon and cheese. We also enjoyed Black Jack BBQ Ribs done with Jack Daniel's sauce and glaze. Along with all this delicious meat we enjoyed a "side" of sauteed Green Beans. Steak entrees start at $16.99; the ribs start at $15.99.

With the entrees we had Kendall-Jackson Vintner's Reserve Merlot for me and Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio for my companion. Wines by the glass start at $6.50. Bottles start at $25.

Our desserts were Bananas Foster Pie and a divine Chocolate Cake. Other desserts are Key Lime Pie, New York Cheesecake and Bavarian Berry Cream Cake. There are also Hot Sugared Donut Holes which arrive with dipping sauces of strawberry and chocolate. Desserts start at $6.29.

Lunch specials with Cheesesteak and Chicken dishes are served Monday through Friday at $8.99. There are all varieties of burgers and grilled panini.

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Credit Cards: All Major
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Price: $$

The dollar sign indicates the approximate cost of dining for two persons, excluding beverages, tax and gratuity.