I'm going to be in NYC over the Memorial Day weekend and am taking my boyfriend out for a birthday brunch on Sunday. I've done some research online and here on this site and would like some more thoughts. I've basically whittled it down between Blue Water Grill (which has outside seating and a raw bar) and Norma's at the Parker-Meridien. The wine list at the Blue Water is ridiculously expensive, although we'll be sticking to Mimosas anyway. Any thoughts on pros and cons of either of these places or, in the alternative, suggestions for some place else? Also, I believe that Blue Water takes reservations which is also a plus.

I think Blue Water would be more "fun" because of the outdoor seating, the interesting menu. Do they have jazz during brunch?

I would choose Blue Water Grill. The brunch is not that expensive (there is a separate brunch menu) and if the weather is nice you can sit outside and enjoy the scene at Coffee Shop (across the street). Union Square is also a fun area.

I have had many a fun, enjoyable brunch at Artisanal - a very "cheesey" restaurant. It is a French brasserie style restaurant with an incredible cheese selection. Check it out if your boyfriend likes cheese.

cantstayhome - I had heard of Artisanal and wondered about it. He loves cheese! What's the atmosphere like? I want this to be kinda special - it's his 47th and we only see each other once a month - he lives in Jersey City and I live in Texas, which makes it hard for me to pick out places, since not there.

I wish they had pictures on their website, but I can't find any. Here is a link that will allow you to peruse the menus at least.
http://www.artisanalcheese.com/restaurants.asp#bistro

As far as atmosphere, it is a pretty casual place, but always seems rather festive and lively to me. Lots of brass and mirrors and the lovely odor of cheese wafts everywhere! I would be perfectly happy there for my 47th, but maybe not my 50th - would demand Le Bernadin or something along those lines for THAT birthday. If your boyfriend loves cheese, he will likely love Artisanal - my hubby is a huge cheese hound and he insists that we go every time we are in the city. I haven't been to the other two, so I can't give you a comparison to them. Maybe do brunch at Artisanal one day and go to one of the others for dinner?

Sounds like one of you needs to move.

I'm just waiting for an invite, my girl....preferably, one with a ring....;-)

If uptown is more convenient for you, Isabella's on Columbus behind the natural history museum has a great brunch menu and a large outdoor seating area.

It's also a B.R. Guest restaurant.