jmp

I need to find a restaurant for my husband's bday. We ususally like to celebrate at places we wouldn't normally go to. Here are a few we've been to for bdays, anniversaries, valentine's:

Daniel
Aureole
Lespinasse
222
Bayard
21
Terrace
March

you get the idea....anyway his bday is Sunday of Labor Day weekend, I called one place and they are closed on sundays

Any help would be appreciated! (p.s. we are not big seafood eaters)

Thanks!

djkbooks

Are you saying that none on your list are worthy of a return visit?

monpetit

For us, my wife and I, Gramercy tavern is the best, far away from Aureole...
It's raffined, with a lot of research, but not too "much" and the quantity is just what you need...
Desserts are fantastic and there is not another cheese tray like their.
Every time we are in NY(2 times a year)
from France, we eat there and we've never been disappointed..
Last May we have been in aureole : it's good but not so delightfull and some
recipes were for us too "heavy".
And in Gramercy, wine list is also
a must.
Erik.

sls15

Based on that list a couple of places come to mind, Bouley (on West Broadway downtown), Firebird (on West 46th, Restaurant Row) or La Caravelle (on West 55th).

Good luck, and have a great time!

jmp

No, I am not saying that they don't deserve a return, but we like to try new places. I think my favorite on the list was Aureole.

We also went to Firebird (left that one out). I was thinking about La Caravelle...or Montrachet

thanks

jmp

Just called La Caravelle - they are closed Sundays in the summer!

Doug

I second Gramercy Tavern

mclaurie

How about La Cote Basque? I prefer it to Caravelle. (and I love Auerole) Haven't been to Bouley since it moved but that would be another option.

Gekko

How about the great new restaurant WD-50 on 50 Clinton Street? It is a truly fantastic dining experience. The reviews have been incredible, including the below from the editors at Citysearch New York:

The city's new undisputed haven for risky, challenging, artful food.

The Scene
It's the most highly anticipated restaurant to open this year, but it doesn't show: The dining room, with its terra cotta walls and exposed beams, feels nicely worn-in, and the personable, easy-going servers know their stuff.

The Food
In contrast to the utter deluge of restaurants serving safe, familiar food, chef Wylie Dufresne's dishes will make you think. When Dufresne serves foie gras topped with anchovy and dotted with tiny bits of crunchy chocolate, it's an education in breaking food down to its essential flavors to see how the building blocks--fat, salt, savory, clean citrus, edgy vinegar, etc.--work together. Much of the cooking challenges diners to break with their food-pairing constructs: Yes, daurade paired with a barbecue-like sauce can work. Fine ingredients elevate all dishes, but particularly the lamb loin, which is among the city's best. Desserts are stellar, especially the parsnip cake with dreamy coconut-cream cheese sorbet.

Try something new! WD-50 on the Lower East Side!

cindymal

TRY FOUR SEASONS,UNION PACIFIC,CHANTERELLE,OLICA,CAFE PIERRE,