4 NYC Restaurants: One Choice. Help please?
 

Hello, I have spent HOURS looking at the excellent advice and comments here regarding restaurants in NYC for a special weekend trip this coming weekend and have been helped SO much by them. Per the wisdom I've already gleaned from this forum, I have made reservations at four places for Sat. night:

Erminia
Gramercy Tavern
The Four Seasons
Candela

So it's a special trip to see Little Women the musical (childhood favorite - my bf just asked me to clarify that it's MY fav not his) on Friday and big dinner on Sat. I would love intimate, classy (rather than trendy) romantic, dimly lit. You know. Candles and all that jazz. I need to choose between them. I know Gramercy probably stands tall above Erminia and Candela as far as impressivo food goes, but since atmosphere is quite important to me, Candela and especially Erminia made it to the final four.
Our reservations are in the Pool Room for the 4 Seasons. Is the atmosphere *romantic* or simply grand? And does getting a good table matter a great deal there and in these other places?
Oh please help me choose. Thanks ever so much. :) As I get quite excited about good dining experiences, I promise a nice post-visit recap. :)

I don't know. They all sound good, but thanks for reminding me why it is nearly impossible to get a reservation at some of these places the week before going. Some people have four reservations and can't make up their minds so are blocking out others.

I see your point, thank you. It's just an important trip and I want it to be special. I have a lack of info (for example, Erminia has no website) and therefore have been having a hard time deciding, despite a desire to do so as quickly as possible. I have seen this forum be friendly and willing to help in such situations and thought I would try my luck...

I haven't been to Candela but can describe the others. Erminia is relatively small and spare. It's on the upper east side (not too far from the Metropolitan Museum. The food is excellent and I also think it's a nice non-touristy neighborhood. Since the Met is open late on Saturdays, you could stop by there for a drink first and hear some music and even wander around a gallery or two if you want. There are also nice places in the area to have an after dinner drink.

Gramercy Tavern is larger and louder and I wouldn't necessarily call it romantic. There is a buzz about it though. Everyone who's there is excited to be there.

I don't think I've ever been to the Four Seasons on a Sat. night, so not sure what the ambiance would be (ie how many people and how they'd be dressed). It's a very modern classic room. It's certainly larger than the first 2. I think of it as more of a corporate/power broker place than a romantic place. It seems a bit stark and cold rather than cozy and romantic.

With Candela aside since I've never been, I'd choose Erminia for romance and Gramercy Tavern for great food and bragging factor (you know, we were at Gramercy Tavern the other night...)

In terms of info about the food, try two sites: www.menupages.com and www.nymetro.com (NY magazine's site). For "romantic", I would pick Erminia - truly intimate and the food is very good. Candela looks great but the food is just OK. I love the Four Seasons, but even the Pool Room seems more "corporate elegance" than personal and intimate. Gramercy is lovely - relaxed but elegant, great food, wonderful service - but it never strikes me as a place where I would be concentrating on my companion - I'm always looking at the room and the other diners and watching the ballet of the waitstaff and savoring the food. But that's just me and my opinions.

Of course, as soon as you make a decision, you WILL call the other three and cancel your reservations so you can free up the tables, right?

Now I know why some restaurants take a credit card # to hold a table.
I had heard that some people reserve tables at multiple restaurants,
but then to have the nerve to advertise it?
WOW

Geez, give the girl a break. People on this forum say they do this all the time with hotel rooms...they don't get slammed. She got the point already. Now help her decide so she can cancel the other three. (possibly even within a day of making them...)

I love the Four Seasons and it is very elegant but not intimate in the least. Gramercy is great but not particularly romantic.

Maybe you could just call and cancel all these reservations and hope someone just as self-involved will cancel on at Cafe des Artistes so you can go there Saturday. George Lang's Fin de Siecle classic is arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in NYC.

Four Seasons is not at all romantic - whoever called it a power brokering spot is correct. Also - I agreee that Cafe des Artistes can be very romaantic - if you can get in.

Bamakelly, thank you. You are right, give the girl a break people.
Like none of you have never done the same thing. Right.
Another instance of the poster having the *wrong* screen name.
If she were among those with a *better* name (and you do know what I mean!) then she would be given a plethora of information and of course, the best of wishes ad nauseum.

Erinmelissa, take your time deciding, which is *exactly* what everyone else does too.
Have a wonderful time whatever you choose.

I usually agree 100% with LilMsFoodie on most things, but I think the food at Erminia is better than Cafe Des Artistes. It's true the room at Des Artistes is more classically what you'd think of as a romantic, big splurge restaurant, but I'd stick with Erminia.

What time is your Gramercy reservation for Saturday night? If you don't use it, can I have it?

I am amused that some posters find it so outrageous to make multiple reservations during the planning stages of a trip, or an evening out. I do it all the time. Then, within a day or so, I discuss it with my husband, we choose, then we call and cancel the others. What possible harm does that do? The key is to cancel ASAP, although I have given hot reservations to friends when I couldn't use them last-minute (sick kid, moved out of town, etc.) I doubt the reason that it's hard to get into good restaurants is because people made multiple reservations. If that were true, there would be empty tables and you could walk in. Great places tend to be busy, so the outrage here on the boards seems contrived.

For the record, from your list, I've been only to Gramercy Tavern but I loved it and am planning to return next month when I'm in NY, on one of my kid-free evenings. I'm not even bothering to make back-up reservations; we're so sure of this choice.

SFAMYLOU,
Why book and cancel, within a day or two? Why not discuss your plans and then book?

I have been to three of these four places.

Re: Gramercy Tavern, I agree with everything the posters have said here. Great food and service, but the
ambiance probably won't do it for you.

Re: Erminia--basically a small (i.e., shoe-boxed sized) room with lots of candles. The place is a bit claustrophobic (you are about 6 inches from the table next to you, so forget private conversation) and the food completely forgettable.

Re: Four Seasons. If I had to choose one, I'd go here. Not the most intimate place, but it is beautiful. I think it is a corporate place for lunch, but at night, if you don't mind lots of other suits around, I think it would be great for dinner.

Other options: Fleur de Sel (great food, service, ask for the booth at the front); Chez Es Saada (although I haven't been there for a while, the ambiance was great).

Another option: The Rainbow Room. Probably not worth the $150 per person for dinner, but after 10:30 or so, you can go just for drinks and dancing. Quintessential New York, stunning views, great big band and dancing. I think the cover is $20/person, but you should still make reservations.

I love it bugswife :-D

Mclaurie - funny that we posted at the exact same time almost the exact opinins . . . great minds.
wanderluster what are you going on about?

I had no problem with her making as many reservations as she wants - as long as she remembers to cancel the others. Many of these places have wait lists and besides, it's only fair to the restaurant - and other diners.

CyberUK, in a dream world, you're right. I'd say to my husband: Let's go out to XYZ next Thursday at 8 p.m., then I'd call and get the table and everyone would be happy. However, most times in my experiences, because I like trendy places and sometimes call last-minute, you don't get exactly what you want. Maybe you get into a place you really want to try, but the only reservation is for 10 p.m. You can get into a place that isn't too exciting for
7:30. My husband isn't around to discuss this in real time; he's working and away on business. So you book a few places, later discuss the options and various trade-offs. Then you call back and cancel what you won't use. I always cancel. I sense skepticism but really, I do. And the reservation person is always so grateful it makes me think that most people don't call to cancel, whether they've double or triple booked or not.

I've been to Candela -- it's not a special place at all. The food is fine, the ambiance is alright, and the location is central. But I would eliminate it from the list, especially given the other restaurants (although I've never heard of Erminia).

What's the big deal about making four reservations for a Saturday night and then cancelling three of them a few days before? Well, perhaps it isn't a huge issue, and sometimes it may be necessary to do it, like you don't know where you'll be or what your other plans are that night, but here is my point.

I've called many times two weeks before to book a reservation at places like Grammercy Tavern to be told it's fully booked. (Of course some of those people may end up cancelling, but it's hard enough to even get through to the restaurant, yet alone to keep checking). Yes, they will put you on a wait list. So now what? I need to book another restaurant in case GT doesn't come through. Then at the last minute I may get the call that my wait list was successful and now I cancel my other restaurant reservation. So now someone who couldn't get into that restaurant, could have after all, if only I hadn't been holding that table. Multiply all this by thousands of people in hundreds of restaurants and it becomes mind boggling. Making two reservations doesn't seem so bad, but four?? How about eight or ten?

I would go with the Four Seasons, it is such a landmark. I am not sure if the Picasso tapestries have already been sold, but I know the Seagram family is getting rid of them. You should get in there before they have been removed if you can.

How about Danube!

I'LL take the Gramercy off your hand for Sat nite!!
JOHN

You know, there is probably a market for scalping great dinner reservations.

Sadly, there is.

http://chowhound.com/boards/manhat/messages/170345.html

The site this link directs you to is "empty" now, but I saw it just before Valentine's day, and there were about a dozen reservations "for sale." You pay them, they give you the name on the reservation. The one for Gramercy Tavern was, of course, gone.

Patrick, you are totally correct. But my point was that the OP "got it" after you made her aware of it. However, others felt the need to jump on her back anyway, which is just rude and pointless. She already said she got the point, why continue to slam her? Besides, I wasn't talking about you anyway: your post at least pointed out the faux pas without accusing her of having "some nerve". That was just rude.

McLaurie, I made my rec on atmosphere as erin said that the atmosphere was going to be important to her. If those nymphs and glamour lighting at Cafe des Artistes don't do the trick, one is probably dead. It is very sexy. After a night of theatre I'm not quite as demanding about cuisine. I want to concentrate on conversation and do not want to be thinking too much about the food or wine. They need to be good, even excellent, but I would never go to say, Bernardin or Per Se after theatre and certainly not before. I want those sorts of meals to be the focus of the evening. LMF

My husband and I went to Erminia for our anniversary and loved it! The food is great, the service is freindly, and the space is so romantic. You feel like you've been transported to a rustic tavern in Sicily. There are only a few tables in this tiny space but it's all dark wood paneling, candle lit atmosphere. Very romantic! I spoke with another friend prior to going and she just raves about it to everyone. She and her husband plan to go back every year. A truly special occassion dining experience.

I went to Candela as well, and thought the vibe was fun, festive, and great for groups. I don't think it's very romatic, it's very large, and cavernous.

Another special restaurant is One if By Land, Two if by Sea... This is also very romatic like Erminia!

Sounds like it will be a fun evening for you!

LMF, I absolutely, positively, totally agree with you about the sort of place you want after a show. If you read the OP's original post though, she's going to the theater Fri. night and my understanding is this restaurant choice was to be for a &quot;big dinner on <b>Sat</b>....&quot;

Jeezuz I hope you've managed to pick one and canceled your other reservations.

It isn't rocket science. Gramercy Tavern is always good.

Oh Boy!
I see the Ny rest experts are at work.
I have to admit when I have a special occasion or traveling to a new City, I have made more than one reservations.Patrick,even in Naples.We know its not right but!!.
I heard great things about ermenia and i also loved the Four seasons.If you get a seat in the corner faceing the pool it can be romantic and has a Buzzz.If you can get a reservation at Daniel I think it has the best of both worlds.Gramecy is ok but i think it is just Ok.I agree with coffeaddicts reviews as well,OIBLand is a nice option-eveyone seems to get engaged there.My order would be 1.Daniel,2.Four Seasons-not intimate but special and romantic because of that.3.OIBLTIBS,Danube,Bouley,March.
Per Se is the best rest. in NY right now but it is almost impossible to get a reservation and is expensive.I suggest you call them on friday morning to see if there is a cancellation.It is located in the time warner Building.

I have a new suggestion. Its called Il Buco. Read the customer reviews on menupages.com and on the il buco web site. Very unusual spot. You'll swear you are in a romantic european resaurant, not one in the east village! Check it out. The food is italian and mediterranean.

There are all fine, I guess I would prefer the Gotham Bar and Grill on I think 12st. It is wonderful. For a great place for a cocktain after dinner you must go to the Madrian Hotel there is a very cool bar at the top that provides a great view of Central Park.

erinmelissa: what restaurant did you finally choose???

&quot;I have to admit when I have a special occasion or traveling to a new City, I have made more than one reservations.Patrick,even in Naples.We know its not right but!!.&quot;

I'm not sure what this has to do with anything I was talking about. I was talking about the idea that this person was still holding FOUR reservations for the same night, less than a week away, for the busiest night of the week, when at least one of the restaurants is damn hard to get a reservation in.

What I was saying was that when you are unfam. with a city or restaurantit is not uncommon to make more than one reservation and I guess not uncommon to decide last minute where you will be eating especially when traveling.I do agree with you that it is not right but it is common.By the way we loved naples and thanks for your advice.

If you want the best service New York City has to offer, go to Gramercy Tavern. It is run by Danny Meyer-a restaurant moguel whos restaurants specialize in top-notch service.
BUT-if you want some of the best food in or around the theatre district, you should go to Beacon on 56th between 5th &amp; 6th. Amazing menu, great service, and awesome atmosphere. Also one of those under-the-radar places so you won't encounter a tourist-y crowd.
Have fun!