From Heather Cross,
Your Guide to New York City Travel.
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NYLA
52 East 41st Street
New York, NY
Phone:(212) 682-2860
Nearest Subways: 4, 5, 6 to 42nd Street
Cross Streets: Madison & Park Avenue
Price: $35 - $45 per person; includes appetizer and main course
Official Website: NYLA Restaurant

Britney Spears has decided to join the ranks of celebrity restauranteurs. Originally rumored to be called "Pinky," from a nickname Justin Timberlake called Britney Spears, the restaurant will now be called NYLA.

NYLA, a name derived by combining the postal abbreviations for New York and Britney's home state of Louisiana, opened in June 2002. The restaurant is located in the Dylan Hotel on East 41st Street in New York City, replacing the upscale French restaurant Virot currently occupying the space. American bistro fare is the focus of the menu and the space converts to a sophisticated lounge after 11 p.m.

Britney Spears is not alone in this venture; Britney has partnered with famous restaurateur Bobby Ochs. Bobby Ochs has worked with other celebrities opening restaurants, including Patrick Swayze (Mulholland Cafe) and Marla Maples (Peaches). Day-to-day operation of the restaurant will be Ochs' responsibility.

A visit to NYLA revealed entrees in the $16-26 range for dinner, including a $16 NYLA burger (with handcut fries and chipotle mayo). The duck and wild mushroom ettouflee and crabcakes are rumored to have been added to NYLA's menu because they are personal favorites of Britney Spears. While dinner wasn't in the plans, we did enjoy two great mojitos at the bar ($10 each) and they even had a fresh raspberry mojito as well.

See Inside ] Pictures from Britney Spears NYLA restaurant