I need a place that will blow my traveling companinons away...there is a trophy at stake for the best rest.

Is Gary Danko's really good. Or is the 5th floor better?

I ate at Gary Danko's last year -- no reservation, so I ate at the bar -- the food was great and I like the concept: you choose the number of courses you'd like and what they will be -- doesn't have to be appetizer, salad, entree and dessert.

I've never eaten at Fifth Floor (though Zagat rates GD food at 29, FF at 26.) Enjoy.

ttt

We thought Gary Danko was an excellent restaurant. Not sure it is blow you away quality. That's probably because we ate there the day after visiting the French Laundry.

I prefer Gary Danko's to Fifth Floor. You could blow me away there just make sure you have deep pockets. The cheese course at the end is something a little different which may help with the WOW factor. Eat slow, have a drink at the bar before before dinner and ask the waiter for recommendations are all ways to enhance the experieince and win the trophy.

We went to Gary Danko in December and the best dining experience we ever had in the US. We ordered thier five course recommended selection with the wine pairing. It was a fabulous meal,great wine and great service. We were not rushed. I second the comments on the cheese tray.

I dined at Gary Danko in November. I too believe that it was the best dining experience I've had in the U.S. It is definately "blow you away" quality, from food to serviece to ambiance.

Yes, Gary Danko. Yes, cheese course.

Yes, it will blow them away, if anything will.

sounds really nice. The cheese does shound like the WOW factor. It must be really interesting.

BTW, I don't know if they do this regularly, but when my husband made our reservations at Gary Danko, they asked if it was for a special occasion. It was - he had planned a surprise trip to SF for our 10th anniversary (I didn't know where I was going 'til we got to the airport!).

So he told the restaurant about our event, and that was that. But at the end of the meal, they presented a complimentary plate of sweets and yummies, the plate decorated with a congratulatory message in chocolate.

If you tell them about the bet, it might spark their interest enough for them to surprise you.