Black Friday in NYC -- 3 Ideas for Fueling Up to Deal with Manhattan's Shopping Masses

I HATE Black Friday. I really don't feel the need to go out and kill myself to get that 30% off deal. But, if you're eager for the push-and-shove, you're going to need some sustenance to get you moving. Here are 3 spots to help you kick some serious shopping butt:

Virgil's - I wouldn't have thought about Virgil's in Times Square for breakfast until I had brunch there recently. Their BBQ hash with eggs was one of the most outrageous dishes I've had in a while -- truly. On Friday, they'll be opening their doors at 9am sharp so you can enjoy their Full Country Kitchen Breakfast (until noon) with breakfast sandwiches , the mondo prote-in-packed Southern Sampler Breakfast (two eggs, chicken fried steak, bacon, sausage, pit-smoked ham, and Texas toast), or their carb-loaded butter-griddled fluffy pancakes served with maple butter and a side of bacon or sausage. Times Square is close enough to the shopping action of 5th and 6th avenues and a worthy starting point. 152 W. 44th Street

Plaza Food Hall -- If you're starting your shopping a bit later (yes, Thanksgiving was exhausting, wasn't it?), the fabulous Food Hall in the Plaza Hotel opens at 11am. This one's in the heart of 5th Avenue and right across from the Apple Store (oh, yes, the masses will all be there, for sure). Sit at any available counter seat, and order from the various food stands in the hall: The Sushi Bar, The Grill, The Oyster Bar, The Pasta Bar, or the Tapas Bar, plus salads, piza, cheese, charcuterie, dumplings, drinks, and more. One West 59th Street - Concourse Level, the Plaza Hotel.

The Shops at Columbus Circle --And, of course, you'll need an afternoon snack. Starting at 2pm, Bouchon Bakery, Landmarc, Porter House New York and Union Square Events will be giving out complimentary goodies to keep your energy levels high. Try the chocolate chip cookies from Porter House, mini s'mores from Landmarc, star cookies from Bouchon Bakery, and mallomars from Union Square Events. But, hurry, supplies are limited. 10 Columbus Circle.