I have a friend who is looking for a place to have dinner (party of 5), after a Sunday matinee. It's her sister's birthday (an "0" birthday), and the other sister dropped the ball on making reservations. It doesn't have to be in the theater district, but they want something obviously good, and price not as much of an issue (willing to go to $200 a person).

The problem is, it's kind of late getting into those places now, and I don't frequent them too often, so don't even know what to suggest.

Do you all have any suggestions??

Thanks for your help!

Hey Kim -
I don't know if this place is fancy enough - although we did see several birthday celebrations going on - but Lisa, David and I enjoyed our meal at Tao a few weeks ago. Exotic atmosphere and good food and service. It came in at about $65/person.

We walked there from the theatre after a matinee - 6-8 blocks?

My review of Tao on SlowTrav.com

It's supposed to be a celebrity hotspot, but we missed out on that.

I've been to Del Posto twice (Mario Batali and Lidia Bastianich's restaurant) down on 10th Ave in the meat packing district. It's gotten mixed reviews, but we loved it both times. We had an awesome table twice, did one of several tasting menus, large wine list (which could easily put you in the $200 range per person!. Service was very good and my husband got to chat with Lidia one night!

I'll ask my hubby, too.

Although it's so close to Lincoln Center it might be impossible on such short notice, try Gray's at the Time Warner center.

Here are my husband's top 3 picks:

Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st (6th & 7th)
212-554-1515

Daniel
60 E 65th (Madison & Park)
212-288-0033

Per Se
Time Warner Center
10 Columbus Circle
212-823-9335

Just to save time, maybe tell your friend to try using www.opentable.com to see what reservations they could get. I noticed Bouley was on the list. I was surprised to see Per Se was on there, too, with a 5:45 opening.

Interesting about Per Se ... cobblehill's review on SlowTrav says it's one of those places you need to "call two months in advance" for a reservation. Pricewise it may be a little over the budget ...

quote:

Price - $210 per person, including tip, but not wine. We all left very full, and very satisfied we'd gotten our money's worth. Truly a memorable meal.

Per se is $250 now per person without wine - she checked with them.. I'm calling her with the other suggestions,

thanks!

I've always loved "Cafe des Artistes" on w. 67th, but haven't been there in years. Also, Shun Lee West, though not in the same league as the others, is a very elegant place.

Just checked: Cafe des Artistes has no table availability, at least through Open Table. Shun Lee West does.

A word of advice re Open Table: For restaurants near Lincoln Center, at least, I've often been able to get reservations by calling when OT shows no availability.

i think shun lee west has really declined.

If everybody likes fish -- really fresh fist -- Esca at 43 and Ninth might be great, and you can hear yourselves converse in there.

quote:

i think shun lee west has really declined.

Well, it happens. I guess I've declined too, so maybe haven't noticed same in Shun Lee.

Not near Lincoln Center, at all, but
11 Madison Park is a real favorite of mine. I've had 2 sensational meals there and it is gorgeous.

there's also Aureole, lovely, smaller and, if I remember correctly, in the East 60's--not so far for a cab.

jan

Not sure if you found your restaurant yet, but do let us know what you decide!

You could try:

Picholine
35 West 64th St.
212-724-8585

Cafe Boulud
20 E. 76th St.
212-772-2600