carlota

My Spiderman tickets are for the afternoon show, I think at 8pm!Ekscrunchy!! Ask me anything you want!!

Kealalani

8pm is evening show. You will have plenty of time for a long lunch and siesta before the show. Afternoon shows are at 2pm or 3pm.

It's been a couple of years since Gramercy, but oh how we loved it. I think we were given 5 amuse bouche from the kitchen. Let's count. A baby scallop bite, a sorbet bite, chocolates, a birthday cookie presentations and a delicious muffin for the morning. We ended up taking our cheese course dessert home too.

carlota

Any specific comments on these four restaurants? recent pros/cons to help me decide??

Kealalani

no

mp

All the restaurants are terrific - although I definitely prefer Gotham and Gramercy to Eleven Madison and The Modern - but it's just taste, not a quality judgement. The Modern is exactly that - cool, sophisticated, wonderful "little" food jewels. Eleven Madison is said to be turning out some very food-forward, adventurous menus, in a big 'New Yorky" space. Gotham is very pro, impeccable, classic "new American" with a slight mediterranean twist. And Gramercy - that's where I would go around December. The tavern room Holiday decorations are usually very very pretty, they make wonderful, seasonal cocktails and drinks, and the energy around the holidays is great. Maybe not as "avant" or sophisticated as the others, but I think it's warmer, and more fun. Just my opinion - you'll have a great meal at any of them, most likely.

ekscrunchy

I think mp said it well. It depends on what you want. I would eliminate Gramercy but that is because I've been there several times and I do not find the food as interesting as the other places on your list. But for someone coming to NYC who is interested in the restaurant scene as you are, it is really kind of a "must" for one visit anyway. That is not in any way to say it is touristy, by the way. You might consider having lunch there instead of Luger on matinee day (???)

Gotham is just so classically fine that I find myself returning there for "nice' dinners especially when I am with people who are not so adventurous with food. It is certainly in the top rank and you cannot go wrong.


EMP has a different menu now--it changed about two months ago, I think. It sounds exciting and the chef is certainly very very well regarded here. The space is knock-out beautiful, too.

The Modern is cool and classic, with the great view of the garden. Chef is ALsatian and I think he is fabulous. But I think as far as popularity it is probably not in the very top rank. I've only been once but am going back soon....

It is really a tough decision. But I bet you will be back here before too long, so...


The following is a huge diversion and will be of no interest to no one except perhaps Carlota and myself. Forgive me:

Ok..I will start a Madrid thread soon ....but for now, a friend recommended Gran Barrill for seafood. And they are open Sunday night, our first night in the city. Good idea? I was also looking for lechazo but I am hearing mixed reports of places like Asador Aranda and Asador Tierra Aranda. Should I just leave the lechazo idea for a time when I can visit Pedraza? Let me know your favorite places--not too molecular, though, and not formal.

carlota

I'm trying to decide between Gotham and Gramercy Park. I'd like to try Gramercy (as you all say it's beautiful at christmas) but from all the info I read, the food is better at Gotham...I don't know...
Ekscrunchy, please tell me more about what you are looking for:type of food, area, price range...I havent been to Gran Barril, so I can't help you, but the reviews are good...tell me when you open your post so I can comment more on it!!

ekscrunchy

Ok..I will come back here and let you know that the new thread is open! Do not forget to come back here and ask more questions--I live here and will be happy to help any way I can.

ekscrunchy

Carlota: See this article:


http://www.nypost.com/p/lifestyle/fo...SU1FVNTKnSENQI

txtree

Coming in late to this thread, but for what it's worth and for a super special NY dinner, I would choose Eleven Mad over Gotham or Gramercy or even the Modern (and I do like all of them). Eleven Mad has a wonderful energy, the chef and the staff are young, the menu exciting, the service impeccable, and the room is stunning.

Also want to throw Little Owl into the mix for one of your other meals, perhaps a lunch. I have been there a few times recently, it is a real gem in the West Village.

ekscrunchy

Oh dear, poor Carlota will be even more confused!

Did you see those food photos on the link I just posted about EMP?

I agree that Little Owl is a gem. I've never had a burger at Peter Luger but I am not sure how it could be better than the ones at Little Owl.

txtree

Oh my - the photos! The amazing thing is that the food looks that beautiful in real life and tastes just as delicious.

carlota

why do you do this to me??????

309pbg

I am very late to this thread but our meal at The Modern was sublime. The food was creative, presentation was gorgeous and the service was top notch. The view of the gardens through the all glass wall was truly beautiful. We will certainly go back.
Which ever restaurant you choose I hope you have a wonderful meal and a fabulous time!
Pam

txtree

The good news is you really can't go wrong with any of the four on your short list. Maybe I'm biased because I live in NY and eat out often, but Gotham and Gramercy are more like old, comfortable, reliably fabulous friends (as are Babbo and Union Square Cafe). Eleven Madison Park and The Modern still feel fresh and new and exciting. But clearly, you can have an amazing NYC meal at any of them.

I can't wait for the Madrid thread to start!

ekscrunchy

I agree with you about those four restaurants. I wonder if Gotham and Gramercy will not feel too tame for someone who knows the exciting food scene in Spain...(???)

I will start that Madrid thread this week. Now I know that we have a true aficionada to advise us I am looking forward to hearing the comments!! I am sure I will have the same dilemma--too many great places to try and not enough time!