New Yorkers, please do not be offended by my ignorance. I'll be in mid town Manhattan in a couple of weeks for a training class and was wondering if and when it's safe to walk the streets? I'm staying at the Hilton just south of Central Park and won't have a car. The training center is just north and I'm not worried about walking there. I will be walking to dinner and was wondering if it's okay to be walking around after dark. Are there areas I should avoid? How about walking around Central Park?

I'd also take any restaurant recommendations in the area if anyone has any. It looks like there are some good deli's and pizza places close. I'd also like to dine at a couple of nicer places.

Thanks in advance,
Dave