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Jason, I live one block away from you, and I have to say there are no decent bagel and pizza places in our lazy 5-minute walk range. You have to walk at least 10 minutes to find decent pizza by the slice and bagels.

David's Bagels (1st Ave between 19th & 20th) is the best bagel joint in the area.

The best and cheapest ($1) pizza slice can be found at Mamani's at Avenue A between 9th & 10th. I can only recommend the cheese slice because it's the only thing I ever get. Other pizza places in the hood, like Stromboli's, Sal's, Vinny Vincenz, have all let me down. For sit-down pizza, I love Luzzo's (1st Ave between 11th & 12th).

i got to meet the PerSe sommelier ina recent trip to NYC... his name is JAMES and he's super nice. I am sure that if you explain your tastes and preferences, he'll be able to recommend wine options that will fit your budget and taste.

Don't quote me on this, but I think i've heard they have a wine supplement to go with their tasting menu (I am dying to try their vegetarian tasting menu) its about $100 for glasses of wines that will go with each course... maybe they have something similar but for 1/2 the courses... when you're shelling $200+ for dinner, what's $75-100 more to have the full experience, no??

Cafe Itzocan is really excellent, though on the tiny side. Supper is also very good, especially as the weather gets colder.

NOT the Indian restaurants. They're terrible. But Sigiri is good and different.

I can't understand why so many people like Ess-A-Bagel. They're among the worst bagels I ever had -- too large and too soft

Orange sherbert with hot fudge sauce. Yum.

- BEST sushi (and i just came back from japan): takahachi, av b bet 5/6th
- old-school ev: orlin, st. marks bet 1/2nd
- italian: supper, 2nd & 2nd or della pace on 7th/2nd
- great, but too crowded to ever eat there: clinton st. baking co. on clinton @ houston

Get swept up in the moment, that's why you're there. I dined there for two, early '04, much greener and poorer in my fine dining.

Are you going to start with a cocktail? Champagne? Some other aperitif? Will you want to finish more than just coffee as well? Port, whiskey, etc? Will you remember an extra $15 or the bubbles and oak chasing the salmon cornet as you toast to the next few hours.

As for wine proper, do not forget about half bottles. They're a nice way to get off the 'by the glass' menu. We had still memorable 1/2 of Gevrey Chambertin and white by the glass, perfectly fine.

Above all, be earnest, honest, and enthusiastic about the experience. And don't take pictures.

If you get the chance try the Caracas Arepas in Williamsburg bk .. much more room to sit down and enjoy- even a garden in the back!

Plenty of people don't drink wine for religious or personal reasons, so they shouldn't even bat an eyelash if you refrain from ordering wine or only order a glass. I agree with jfoureur, these people make their reputation on providing excellent food AND service, no matter who you are. So just be yourselves and enjoy it! As for the table reservation, just be sure if you send someone else (from craigslist or some other intermediary source) in your place that you trust them to actually follow through. If they flake, the cancellation fee will still go on your credit card and you'll have no recourse. They lose nothing.

When I worked near that neighborhood ove 3 years ago, I found the best bagels at LaBagel, on 1st Ave. near 16th. I don't know if they're still there; but I haven't had a better bagel since.

Mostly to second peeps above -
warm borscht at Veselka's
The Stage diner on 2nd btwn 7th and 8th (fried meatloaf)
Itzocan is great "french" mexican (someone above mentioned) but could go over the $30.
Cafe Mogador - and east village classic (esp the brunch)
Criff Dogs
Caracas
brunch at the Smith

pumpkin martinis! omg they're SO GOOD! careful though, they're leathal!

http://mozzarellaandmerlot.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/pumpkin-martinis/

David's Bagels on 1st ave near 16th (used to be on 1st near 14th) is my favorite in the neighborhood.

As for pizza, there are some good places on Ave B but that's probably too far for you. I've like the slices at the place that used to be Sal's (Ave A near 7th) and also at Nino's (1st ave, or is it A? near St Marks)