nina

Hi. I'm planning on taking my husband to dinner in the city for his birthday on the 14th and was thinking of Babbo (since we love Lupa so much). Any other suggestions for a place with great food, atmosphere, maybe something in the Meatpacking district with a hip crowd to make my husband forget just how old he is (hee hee)?

x

Nina, you know about zagats, I know you do. hehe.

J

Call right this second for Babbo. Two weeks isn't much lead time, but you might luck out if it's only a table for two.

Best food I've had recently was at The Tasting Room in the East Village. Prune is great, too.

Meatpacking district isn't quite as trendy anymore, but the food at Pastis is still excellent. Markt is pretty good, too, for mussels and frites.

nina

Thanks J, I'll check. I know, 2 weeks is close, that's why I need alternatives.

I do know about Zagat's, but in the city, it's outdated by the time it goes to print.

Doug

As an alternative, here's one vote for Gramercy Tavern... my fiance and I enjoyed it better than Babbo.

xxx

I wasn't too impressed wtih Babbo. I'd much rather have a nice dinner at Aureole or Jo Jo's.

nina

My husband loves Italian, loves wine (doesn't babbo have a great cellar?), but I'm open to other ideas. What type of food is Jo-Jo's? He's been to Gramercy Tavern (and raved about it), so I like to try someplace new.

J

Cafe Bouloud (French) is also superb, as is Patria (Latin, wonderful ceviche and caiprinhas, sp?)

If Latin food appeals at all, Patria is really wonderful and a great place to celebrate.

John

Nina:

My vote is for Gramercy Tavern! Try the website "www.chowhound.com" Post your request to those folks. Better than Zagats info!
JOHN

z

Gotham Bar & Grill, excellent food and service.

Frank

For something different (especially if you are over 40), try Rossini's on 38th and Park Avenue. Some of the best Italian food you will find, plus they have an opera dinner on Saturday nights. It's great fun with 2 opera-type singers (they also sing lots of pop standards) and a piano player in an attractive multi-level room. They've been running these opera dinners for years, something to experience at least once. Runs about $75 per person with tax, tip and wine. Definitely make reservations, it's very popular.

nina

Thanks for all the great suggestions, I never even got through to Babbo last night - it was busy every time I called, so I'll try again.

I'm curious Frank, why over 40? Does Rossini's cater to an older crowd? We are over 40, but my husband's in deep denial .

me

If Italian is what you're looking for, some places that are very good and fairly easy to get reservations are I Coppi (on E 9th ST, it's like being in tuscany), also Gigino's in Tribeca (the food is so fresh and light) and Lavagne on E. 6th St (very good, has great prix fixe deal). I haven't been to Babbo's in years but did enjoy it. Unless you are eating extra early or late, it probably will be tough to get a reservation.

franklyn

Nina, since your husband adores Italian, if you're ever in the DC area, try Galileo on 21st Street NW, downtown DC - and specifically reserve for Roberto Donna's tasting meal in his demonstration/teachnig kitchen - the "laboratorie" - about $100 pp, 10-12 small course, whatever is market fresh that day - and more money, he'll match wines by the glass. Wonderful experience.

nina

"franklyn" that sounds right up his alley! He goes to DC monthly (Rockville Maryland actually), but I'll tell hem about this, I'm sure he'd make the effort to try it!

Frank

Rossini's definitely caters to an older crowd, not your 20's or 30's crowd. If your husband is age sensitive, he may enjoy being one of the younger people in the room instead of one of the oldest. LOL. If you enjoy a restaurant with a Rat Pack feel and a 70's kind of classy decor, with good food and service. It's not trendy but has been around for over 20 years and it's a lot of fun on Saturday evenings.

franklyn

LOL, nina, you're so smart! Roberto is simply amazing - and of course he's talking to you the entire time he's cooking! When I was there, he got into a huge fight with his assistant - apparently Roberto decided the asst. mismeasured cream for the bombolino sauce. Just a huge fight, ongoing, all in italian. Entertaining, to say the least. Lovely food, and quite educational. Roberto even gave us his recipes, neatly typed! I was in his Saturday class - but I am dying to try what I am suggesting for you and your hubby. If you get down, you must tell - someone has the "key" to our door.

brian

Throw my vote in for Babbo. In my opinion, one of the great dining experiences in the U.S. Upstairs is a little more formal with a quiter atmosphere-downstairs is louder and more fun. Food is awesome and the all-italian wine list offers suprisingly good value for some incredibly great vintages.

tommy

nina
Perhaps you should get your socialite friend from Bazaar magazine to call for you.

I once tried to make reservations at Babbo, and after experiencing the seemingly unending busy signal, finally got through only to be treated in the most unprofessional and rude manner by the moron on the other end. In a city famous for rude restaurant reservation clerks I was truly shocked by the treatment I received over the phone. Of course, I am neither a celebrity or a CEO, but I have never experienced anything like it at any other high end NY restaurant. But since you know a celebrity, maybe she could help.

Better yet, avoid Babbo, and go to some other restaurant that appreciates its customers rather than treats them with disdain.

Jacquee4

Go to www.chowhound.com instead. Good luck!