We have decided on The River Cafe on our first night but would like something special for the last night.Chanterelle gets less than flattering reports, Ouest conflicting comments and Daniel described on a couple of occasions as too formal. Is anyone familiar with La Grenouille ? Is it too old fashioned? Would really appreciate feedback from those in the know. Thanks!

I haven't been there in years because of finances and I loved the place. The Fresh flowers everywhere were incredible and I look forward to someone giving us an update.

We also have not been there for many years. It was formal with beautiful flowers and elegant service. I have not heard anything about it recently.

Go to Ouest or WD-50. You won't be disappointed.

If you are concerned about Daniel because it is too formal, then you should have the same concern about La Grenouille. Personally, I think it is exceptional and a fantastic spot for a romantic dinner. However, La Grenouille is classic french in every sense of the word. Though I haven't been since the very recent renovation, I doubt the formality has been replaced.

Ah, Daniel. What a wonderful dining experience. I can't imagine that La Grenouille is any less formal than Daniel. A man should wear at the very least a nice pair of pants and sports coat(blazer) and a woman can wear a nice pants suit or dress. If you want excellent food in a little less formal atmosphere, try Montrachet on West Broadway in Tribeca. The food is excellent, and they have probably one of the best wine lists in the city. On Mondays you can bring your own wine too!

Have you checked Chowhound.com for recent opinions on La Grenouille?

I've not been to Daniel since they moved into their new space. In the old space, it was indeed quite formal, however the service was perfectly correct, not overbearing, not condescending. But they are watching your every move. Try dropping your napkin on the floor just to watch someone appear out of thin air in a nanosecond to replace it. The food was the best I've ever had.

Another French place to consider is Bouley. The room is beautiful (I would ask for the red room for a romantic evening) The food was very good, the wine pairings very good (except for one really weird match) the room has a slightly less formal feel and the prices are lower. They have a website where you can do a virtual 360 of the room to get a feel for the place and look at the menu.

Another great place we just discovered is Morrell on Broadway between 19 and 20th sts. I would describe the ambiance as casual elegance. Certainly not ;old', very contemporary but classy decor. Great food. I ate a Ouest when it first opened, and at that time,was not overly impressed. It was very nice, but not worth returning to. La Grenouille I went to over 15 years ago for my birthday (and pregnant at the time). I was so uncomfortable with their tight seating (tables seemed jammed in there) that I had leg cramps and couldn't enjoy my meal. I'm hoping it's changed since.

superb, when it's "on" ... and always interesting. There are better, for much less, however. Problematical they remain in business, given the economy and competition. But certainly go and decide for yourself. Have a good time.

Thanks everyone for your feedback. I think I should have phrased things better ..I realise both Daniel and La Grenouille would be formal but the comments I got concerning this was that the staff at Daniel were "stuffy" whereas at La Grenouille they were welcoming and non condescending.Can anyone confirm? Actually they both sound ok to me.

I haven;t been to Bouley's since he moved from the original location. It was a delight then , with the walk-in isle in the fall lined with crates of fragrant apples and the wine cellar's ceiling covered with hanging dried herbs.

I did not find Daniel to be stuffy or snooty at all!

How about David Burke & Donatella? Hip, new, and all about the food. I have eaten there several times and every dish was a winner. Elegant, but trendy. Not romantic in the traditional sense, but the food is orgasmic : - ) Don't forget to order the cheesecake lollypop tree for dessert.

Thanks again everyone..I'm starting to lean towards Daniel again now.