Hi - I have done a great deal of research but thought I would try hearing from the experts. Any suggestion for a luncheon in the Lincoln Center area for a fairly large group of people. This would be for a special celebration. approximately 15-20 people. My daughter will be receiving her M.D. and my husband celebrating his 70th bday. This will take place on a Thursday - early May. Slightly moderately priced by NYC standards would be appreciated - if at all possible but good food and a little atmosphere more important. Have thought about just going to PJ Clarke's or the Landmark- Wondered if anyone had anything else to offer.
Thanks
jk1348

I am far from an expert but I do have a good knowledge of food and of the dining scene in my home city, so:

That large a party may require a private room; you need to call the places you are interested in and inquire. Nougatine, the less pricey sister of Jean Georges, offers a good lunch "deal" at 3 courses for $32. Or you can go to Jean Georges where $38 will get you a 2-course lunch.

If those do not appeal, and if you MUST stay in that area, you might try Boulud Sud. It has received consistently good reviews since opening not too long ago. They offer two courses (main and antipasti OR dessert) for $39. I have not been there yet, however.

Landmarc is not a bad idea either.

Clarke's takes no reservations, but perhaps for that large a party they would accommodate. That would not be my choice, though; reviews are pretty poor. You might spend as much a la carte there as you will with one of the deals I listed above. (I am a big believer in the so-called price/value ratio)

thank you ekscrunchy - I agree with you on the price/value ratio. I will look into Nougatine and also Boulud Sud. Would definitely do any easy cab ride if necessary for the right place.

I was going to suggest Nougatine or Ouest.
http://ouestny.com/
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/ouest/

Unfortunately, I don't think Boulud Sud can easily accommodate a large party like yours. However, you might want to investigate the Sommelier Room at Bar Boulud, connected to Boulud Sud and separated from it only by Épicerie Boulud (on the corner of 64th and Broadway). All of these Daniel Boulud places are directly across Broadway from Lincoln Center. The private room seats 20.

The Private Dining Director at Bar Boulud is Aimee Bender (212-595-9604, ext 161; [email protected]) and the General Manager is John Paul O'Neil ([email protected]), whom we know from his brief tenure at Boulud Sud when it opened in May. You might ask for him and tell him Burt Spielman suggested you contact him.

(James Beard, great American chef, used to say, when asked which was his favorite restaurant, “Where I’m known.”)

Burt - thank you so much. We will take your advice and see where it takes us.
Happy New Year to all -

Happy New Year

If this is at lunch time, Asiate on the 35th floor of the Time Warner building does a prix fixe 2 course lunch and has great views. http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/asiate/

The other nearby place with drop dead view is Robert in the Museum of Art & Design also at Columbus Circle. They also have a prix fixe lunch ($30 for 3 courses) and the food is MILES better than PJ Clarke and certainly more memorable. What I don't know is how they'd deal with a party that large. Service is a bit haphazard.

I did a similar size family brunch a couple of years ago at Landmarc and it worked out great. The place is large enough to accommodate a group without it feeling like a gigantic place, the location is convenient and the view from the building is impressive, the menu really suited a wide variety of people, and the price was reasonable.