Hi,

I'm going to NY with my mom and sisters to celebrate my sisters 30th birthday. Would like to book something special for the big day. Any ideas? We are not really into ethnic food.

We also would like to go to brunch on the Sunday and listen to a Gospel choir. Any recommendations?

Thanks, Laura

Hi Laura, do you have a budget per person that you want to spend on the birthday celebration? An do you think you might wnat to do a brunch? or maybe a special dinner?

Hi,

I meant the brunch and dinner as seperate occasions. Her birthday is on a Wednesday evening. And I presume the brunch would be on a Sunday.

I think our budget would be about $120 per person.

Thanks! Laura

Having been there 16-19 Feb, I would recommend E U on 4th bet ave A & B for a great dinner experience.
202 in Chelsea Market was named best brunch in NYC by NY Magazine last Spring and Nicole on E. 60th just E of Central Park has a similar menu (brunch there since Nov '06).
M (SMdA, Gto.)

For a gospel brunch, I think the only option left is BB Kings in Times Square-buffet ok, Harlem gospel choir very very good.

For your dinner, I think you have to give us more direction in terms of what you ARE into, both in food and type of place. Do you want something that feels hip and trendy? Or just great creative American food? Or a place like the River Cafe with the view of Manhattan and good food? Is the $120 with or without wine?

The Blue Note in the W. Village has a Sunday jazz brunch that supposed to be very good. And you'll be in a great neighborhood for post-brunch strolling. I second the recommendation for River Cafe. Check out menupages.com to look at menus and prices by price range.

Thanks for the replies. The River Cafe is exactly what I was looking for. I'll phone them in advance and request a table with a view.

Many thanks, Laura

The River Cafe has a prix fixe 3 course dinner for about $85 - so if you're careful with wine or drinks you should be able to fit within your budget. (There's also a tasting menu for about $110 I think.)

Other ideas for a special dinner if you're not already settled on the River Cafe.

Grammercy Tavern (my absolute favorite)! The Tasting Room.

As to brunch, I though Sylvia's (in harlem) still has a gospel brunch on Sundays.

La Grenouille is one of the best restaurants in NY for a special occassion, if you opt out of the River Club.

Sylvia's is terrible except for the roaches!! They like it!

I heard BBkings has afun gospel brunch

THE SPIRIT OF NEW YORK CRUISE LINE MIGHT BE A GOOD CHOICE A DINNER CRUISE AROUD THE CITY

HERE IS THE LINK http://www.spiritcitycruises.com/ny/bridge.jsp