OK, NYers, I need some help. I want to give my sister and BIL a present for chanukah(they live at 106 & Bway). They are late 30's, 3 small children, always too busy, could use a night out by themselves. Last year I gave them a GC to Picholine, which they had described as "sublime". My mother now tells me, "they've gone downhill"
(Picholine, not my sister)

So, need another restaurant idea (my mother can't seem to come up with anything). Think not too trendy, prob. west side. Doesn't have to be "sublime" but very good would be helpful. Any ideas???

Thanks!

Nougatine, Asiate, Ouest, Cesca.

Perhaps not sublime, but I find it easy to give gift certificates to the BR Guest restaurant group. They have a website and have a number of restaurants, including Blue Water Grill, Atlantic Grill, Fiamma Osteria, etc. You can order them online and the recipient can choose which restaurant to visit.

I second Ouest

Nice Matin?

Thanks for ideas so far. I've been to Ouest-I had forgotten about it, that might work well. I've been to 'Cesca too. It was too busy, crowded, noisy and service was only so-so, but it could have been an off night. The food was great though.

I'm not sure restaurants in Time Warner building qualify as "not too trendy", Nougatine doesn't even come up on Menupages. I guess you have to go through Jean Georges site?

I will check out the BR restaurant group.

Any more ideas? I appreciate the help.

I was also going to suggest BR Guest, which includes great restaurants like Vento and the new Barca 18 on Park Avenue South (formerly the Avalon space).

www.brguestinc.com

A lot of restaurants in the theatre district are excellent, and after 8pm they are calm and even better.
Becco is one of my favorites, ditto
Tout Va Bien.

Aix, Ouest and 'Cesca are probably the three best between 75th St and 96th on the West side. A little lower down on the West Side, I like Gabriel's (lower key, and great food) - West 60th St.

The restaurants in the Time Warner Center are beyond expensive (Masa is $350 prix fixe), very trendy and are tough reservations.

You are a very kind sister. Happy Hanukah.

Although not on the west side, Cafe Boulud is amazing. If they liked Picholine in its prime, they will thoroughly enjoy Cafe Boulud.

Just curious - has Picholine really diminished so very far? Truly one of my most memorable meals ever. Sad if that's true . . .

Just thought I would report on the final decision...I bought a GC from DanielNYC.com, it can be used at Restaurant Daniel, Cafe Boulud or DB Bistro Moderne. Hopefully, it will be well received.

Pittsburgher, I can't answer your question. I've never eaten there, and from both my mother and sister who have eaten there several times, the quality, at the moment, has gone downhill.

Hate to hear this about Picholine. Hope it is a momentary sag & not permanent. We adore eating here, and it was still terrific as of last April. Love its location convenient to Lincoln Center, too.