I am considering a special night out in either Chanterelle in tribeca or River cafe in Brooklyn Heights when we visit the States.I know they will be expensive but I want to experience the whole deal as opposed to set meal.Has anyone been , what did you think , what is very expensive in this context and is it worth it?? Thanks to anyone who can help.

My husband and I had dinner at Chanterelle 2 years ago for our anniversary. This was one of the restaurants we had always heard rave reviews on, it is consistently rated one of the best in NYC, and I couldn't wait to go. $300 later, what a disappointment. The service was absolutely horrendous (non existent). A sommelier? Well, there was one but never came to our table ( and we are wine drinkers and got a pretty good bottle of wine - good thing we know what we are doing). We had to wait for our table to be set, and when they showed us to it, it was missing a chair (there were only 2 of us). Major disappointment. Now Restaurant Daniel, that's was fantastic experience.

HI! I've been to both but not recently for either. I must agree with Lori though that Chanterelle was a huge disappointment, food, service the whole thing just escaped me.

The River Cafe is an experience that can only be had in NY because of the amazing views. The price anywhere will be heavily dependent on drinks & wine. Most restaurants have menus on line so you can see prices. http://rivercafe.com/menu_dinner.asp shows 3 course dinner for $72/person & tasting menu for $90

www.chanterellenyc.com


Taxes add just over 8% & then tip is 15-20% (many Nyers double the tax to get a tip amount)

Keep in mind some of the best restaurants in the city have very affordable lunches if you want to go, see, taste etc. Enjoy!

Thank you both so much (mcLaurie you are always invaluable in your advice). My plan was River cafe on our first night in NYC and Chanterelle as a glamorous finale! Obviously I need to reassess my ideas. Makes one wonder where Frommer gets his restaurant reviewers from!

Peteralan, When are you coming to NYC? The semi-annual restaurant week when luncheons are about $20 for three courses is taking place the end of June. Usually both Chanterelle and the River Cafe participate. You can get more info at nycvisit.com.
Mara

Thanks Mara...we are going Sept/Oct.

Well, I tried! But some of the restaurants keep their special lunches through Labor Day which is Sept. 6th. Whatever, I'm sure you will have a wonderful visit.
Mara

thanks to all for myself. I'd like to go to the River Cafe for the view and hope the food will be very good , not to have to be great but(sigh) it would be paradise.

Check out March. I had one of the most exquisite meals I've ever eaten there. Very expensive but worth every penny.

Thanks one and all for your suggestions. I want our final night to be special.

I think March is a great idea (GoTravel you & I have to meet!) but I also think maybe one of the new restaurants in the new Mandarin Oriental hotel and/or the Time Warner building it's in would also be a thought. I haven't eaten there yet, but I did go up to the lobby of the hotel (on the 35th floor of the building)& it's very dramatic.

Peteralan, egullet.com and chowhound.com are "foodie" websites that might steer you well.

If you are going to dine at River Cafe, I suggest that you also take in a wonderful chamber music concert at BargeMusic which is right next door. You can find full information at www.bargemusic.org/main2.html It is a very small, intimate space (on a river barge) with divine concerts and the same view as River Cafe - one of my very favorite NY activities and not one of the typical tourist things.

Thanks everyone...Will definitely look into BargeMusic too.