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 "big dinner on Sat...."

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???

"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'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 & 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!