"Formal" dinner in NYC?
Sep 17th, 2015, 12:01 PM
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"Formal" dinner in NYC?
This may sound like I'm working backwards, but bear with me.
In November we'll be seeing Turandot at the Met on a Saturday. Despite other people wearing jeans, etc. it is our tradition to dress up and we will both be wearing suits. Afterwards we want to do a sort of celebration dinner -- something elegant, delicious, refined, and DRESSY. Loud and "trendy" is not our thing. Le Bernardin would be perfect, but have done that and want to branch out a little. Since the opera is over around 4, we have lots of time to get anywhere in the city and we'll probably look into doing nice cocktails first somewhere anyway.
My first thought is Bouley -- I know the dining room is exactly what we love -- elegant, refined, quiet, and SPACIOUS. Betony comes to mind, but have read mixed reviews of it being more "trendy" and noisy. And pictures look like we are likely to be given banquette seating -- something we despise for a dressy evening. In fact, Grenoile was great except for that issue where we felt we were wedged into a table butted to two others -- despite a two months ahead reservation and a request if we could move. We've never done dinner in the dining room at Gramercy Tavern -- but it seems not so formal. In fact, I kind of thing on a weekend we might feel overdressed? Del Posto is also on my "to do" list, but I know it's very noisy and bustling. I've thought of Picholine -- haven't been there in ages, but it seems right, and I believe after a period of decline has gotten better reviews of late.
The ones I've mentioned are mainly around $95 to $125 per person which is fine. We rarely do tasting menus, but prefer a three or four course with substantial portions rather than bits of a lot of things. Comments on the ones I've mentioned? Thoughts otherwise?
In November we'll be seeing Turandot at the Met on a Saturday. Despite other people wearing jeans, etc. it is our tradition to dress up and we will both be wearing suits. Afterwards we want to do a sort of celebration dinner -- something elegant, delicious, refined, and DRESSY. Loud and "trendy" is not our thing. Le Bernardin would be perfect, but have done that and want to branch out a little. Since the opera is over around 4, we have lots of time to get anywhere in the city and we'll probably look into doing nice cocktails first somewhere anyway.
My first thought is Bouley -- I know the dining room is exactly what we love -- elegant, refined, quiet, and SPACIOUS. Betony comes to mind, but have read mixed reviews of it being more "trendy" and noisy. And pictures look like we are likely to be given banquette seating -- something we despise for a dressy evening. In fact, Grenoile was great except for that issue where we felt we were wedged into a table butted to two others -- despite a two months ahead reservation and a request if we could move. We've never done dinner in the dining room at Gramercy Tavern -- but it seems not so formal. In fact, I kind of thing on a weekend we might feel overdressed? Del Posto is also on my "to do" list, but I know it's very noisy and bustling. I've thought of Picholine -- haven't been there in ages, but it seems right, and I believe after a period of decline has gotten better reviews of late.
The ones I've mentioned are mainly around $95 to $125 per person which is fine. We rarely do tasting menus, but prefer a three or four course with substantial portions rather than bits of a lot of things. Comments on the ones I've mentioned? Thoughts otherwise?
Sep 17th, 2015, 12:22 PM
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Interesting thought and neither of us have ever been there. Actually haven't heard anything about it for years. How is the seating -- mostly banquettes for two? Or spacious separated tables?
Sep 17th, 2015, 12:36 PM
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My parents took my son and his GF to Jean-Georges last May for a celebratory dinner. I was quite jealous that I was 1000 miles away. It sounded perfect. Website says the 3 course prix fixe is $138.
Sep 17th, 2015, 01:10 PM
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Tocqueville
http://tocquevillerestaurant.com/home/
For some reason the restaurant doesn't get the notice and acclaim that others do. It fits description perfectly.
http://tocquevillerestaurant.com/home/
For some reason the restaurant doesn't get the notice and acclaim that others do. It fits description perfectly.
Sep 17th, 2015, 01:40 PM
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I agree that Jean-Georges would be perfect, and it's even within walking distance of Lincoln Center. And you won't feel out of place there in a tux. I just ate there last month and had a wonderful meal in grand surroundings.
Daniel is suitably grand. I prefer the food at Cafe Boulud, but it's not quite as fancy, and you might find yourself seated next to someone wearing jeans, but lots of people dress up there (it's on the UES after all). But I've eaten dinner here in a tux and wasn't the only one. We were on the way to a party, but I the other betuxed people were on the way to the opera.
Le Cirque also comes to mind for the atmosphere, but it's not the best for food (but still quite good).
Did you consider the Grand Tier restaurant at the opera? But perhaps that's not the kind of experience you're looking for.
Daniel is suitably grand. I prefer the food at Cafe Boulud, but it's not quite as fancy, and you might find yourself seated next to someone wearing jeans, but lots of people dress up there (it's on the UES after all). But I've eaten dinner here in a tux and wasn't the only one. We were on the way to a party, but I the other betuxed people were on the way to the opera.
Le Cirque also comes to mind for the atmosphere, but it's not the best for food (but still quite good).
Did you consider the Grand Tier restaurant at the opera? But perhaps that's not the kind of experience you're looking for.
Sep 17th, 2015, 02:40 PM
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Sep 17th, 2015, 03:20 PM
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I was going to suggest Grenouille. We have never had a problem getting a regular table - no banquette - but perhaps that is more of an issue on Saturday.
Sea Grille is very pretty but I think the noise level depends on how far into heavy tourist season you are.
Mostly we don't go to places that formal unless it is for a business dinner and the we seem to often end up at a "name" place the client likes - often Per Se or similar.
Sea Grille is very pretty but I think the noise level depends on how far into heavy tourist season you are.
Mostly we don't go to places that formal unless it is for a business dinner and the we seem to often end up at a "name" place the client likes - often Per Se or similar.
Sep 17th, 2015, 11:36 PM
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Since the Four Seasons is closing when their lease expires next year, if you haven't eaten there yet, this might be a good time to do so. Seating in the Pool Room is wonderful with the high ceilings, elegant and classy decor. The end of a NY institution.
Sep 18th, 2015, 03:17 AM
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Hmmm. Lots of good suggestions. I've had two sets of friends talk about Jean Georges and say things like "too pretentious" and "we left hungry", but others who rave.
Since we have several hours after the opera before dinner, location isn't an issue, and the Grand Tier dinner doesn't work -- did it once and loved it, especially returning to the table for dessert and coffee during the first LONG intermission.
We love the Modern, but as Peter used to work for MOMA, it isn't that special for him. Cafe Boulud may be our "brunch place" before the 12:30 opera -- but not the atmosphere we want for dinner. Eleven Madison Park at $580 for two before any wine or drinks is just too rich for us.
I'll do some more looking at Four Seasons (pictures look like mostly banquettes?) and at Toqueville.
Meanwhile, I'm still a little hung up on the atmosphere and huge spacious tables at Bouley. Any comments about that?
Since we have several hours after the opera before dinner, location isn't an issue, and the Grand Tier dinner doesn't work -- did it once and loved it, especially returning to the table for dessert and coffee during the first LONG intermission.
We love the Modern, but as Peter used to work for MOMA, it isn't that special for him. Cafe Boulud may be our "brunch place" before the 12:30 opera -- but not the atmosphere we want for dinner. Eleven Madison Park at $580 for two before any wine or drinks is just too rich for us.
I'll do some more looking at Four Seasons (pictures look like mostly banquettes?) and at Toqueville.
Meanwhile, I'm still a little hung up on the atmosphere and huge spacious tables at Bouley. Any comments about that?
Sep 18th, 2015, 04:30 AM
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If you have never done Four Seasons - it never occurred to me since I used to work there near and had been umpteen times for business lunch - you should really experience it.
Absolutely gorgeous.
On one notable occasion we went there for a celebratory dinner after learning our presentation had won us a new client. Several had a little (or lot) too much to drink and our very exuberant President decided to take a swim in the pool. Staff were very calm about it - but she unfortunately ruined a very expensive designer suede jacket. And it took two of us to get her home in a cab the restaurant called to a side entrance.
Absolutely gorgeous.
On one notable occasion we went there for a celebratory dinner after learning our presentation had won us a new client. Several had a little (or lot) too much to drink and our very exuberant President decided to take a swim in the pool. Staff were very calm about it - but she unfortunately ruined a very expensive designer suede jacket. And it took two of us to get her home in a cab the restaurant called to a side entrance.
Sep 18th, 2015, 05:41 AM
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Love Gotham Bar and Grill -- but NOT what I'd call a "quiet, refined, elegant, spacious dining room". In fact, one of the loudest restaurants I can think of -- great food and service, but just not what we're going for.
OK, I'm really getting turned on by Four Seasons. Looking at the menu, I discovered the "pre theatre three course fixed price at $75" which actually seems to be my favorite choices from the regular ala carte. And the early time -- say 6:15 could work perfectly with our after matinee hours. With that reduction in budget, now I'm thinking we could do that on Saturday and also do the more casual Gramercy Tavern on Friday night (if we can possibly get a reservation on that 10 AM call exactly 28 days before), and still not break the bank on the two nights. In fact, if we can't get into Gramercy Tavern, Gotham B&G might be the answer for that Friday night.
Meanwhile, before long I must start looking for a repeat of these options for an anniversary weekend in the city in February. So this is all a great start.
OK, I'm really getting turned on by Four Seasons. Looking at the menu, I discovered the "pre theatre three course fixed price at $75" which actually seems to be my favorite choices from the regular ala carte. And the early time -- say 6:15 could work perfectly with our after matinee hours. With that reduction in budget, now I'm thinking we could do that on Saturday and also do the more casual Gramercy Tavern on Friday night (if we can possibly get a reservation on that 10 AM call exactly 28 days before), and still not break the bank on the two nights. In fact, if we can't get into Gramercy Tavern, Gotham B&G might be the answer for that Friday night.
Meanwhile, before long I must start looking for a repeat of these options for an anniversary weekend in the city in February. So this is all a great start.
Sep 18th, 2015, 05:51 AM
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Meanwhile, Doug, I had a brain fart. I was thinking of BAR Boulud and not CAFE Boulud when I mentioned brunch -- but still think we'll end up doing that before the opera. Kind of hard to figure out where to eat near Lincoln Center for a 12:30 curtain (10:30 or so seating)-- but Bar Boulud has become a favorite for that. And that means we'll be hungry by 6 in the evening.
Sep 18th, 2015, 12:47 PM
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I think I read a while back that The Four Seasons is going to close some time next year, so if you've never been and want to go, perhaps this is a good time to do so.
The Met's production of Turandot is spectacular!
The Met's production of Turandot is spectacular!
