We will be going to NYC for my birthday weekend and I've booked a reservation at Asiate for one of the nights. The menu looks amazing, but i don't seem to hear alot of buzz on it. Any thoughts? we're also planning to dine at Bouley, which i hear is great.

I haven't eaten at Asiate. I have a friend who hated it, but it gets a good rec in Zagats. I've eaten in Bouley over the years for many special occasions and it's one of my favorites. The last time we did the tasting menu and it was perfect, but the regular menu is great too. Tell them it's your birthday and you'll end up with three desserts instead of two (as if two isn't enough). And I wanted a chocolate dessert that was not on the tasting menu - they were very accommodating.

We made a reservation there for lunch, booking way ahead and of course requesting a window table (much of the reason for dining there). But when we arrived there were a couple of fairly large parties, they had rearranged all the tables, and there were no window tables available. We literally had no view at all. We asked about waiting and they said there would be none (they were right -- none opened up until the time we left about an hour and a half later). So how was it? Good. The food was very good, but nothing I'd call memorable (with perhaps the exception of the white asparagus soup). I'd say overall the quality should have demanded about half the price it was. If you were getting the "million dollar" view, I suppose it would have been "worth it". Since we weren't, it really wasn't.

hmm,doesn't sound like it's a MUST GO. Thanks for the replies so far. We have reservations at babbo for 10 pm which is just a little too late, but maybe we'll go there anyway and see if they can seat us early, skip asiate, and then be sure to go to Bouley. I appreciate the responses.

We finally got to Babbo for DH's birthday - it was truly wonderful. 10 pm would be too late for me, but call them and ask if they can put you on a list to be moved to an earlier time - tell them it's your BD and you're visiting NY. It can't hurt. There are other memorable restaurants if that doesn't work for you.

my suggestion would be to go the Mandarin Oriental for a drink, though the bar doesn't have the view of the main restaurant. or even better go have a drink and/or dinner at The Modern including the Modern Bar room. Very New York, very good and avant garde food that is still approachable and not too out there.

I would also very much recommend Jean Georges across the street from the Time Warner Center, one of the most fantastic meals I have ever had and definitely a special occasion place.

While Babbo is supposed to be a wonderful restaurant (never been) i do know that the music tends to be loud and may not be conducive to a romantic evening. just repeating some things I've heard.

We had dinner at Babbo for my partner's birthday June 30. There was music? I never knew! Seriously.

I've never been to Asiate, the $$$$$ being a major factor - it does not get the best word of mouth or press . . . I have been to Bouley several times - i know many people love it, but I am not a fan - it feels too stiff and formal without the gracious-ness of other very upscale places.

But williamscb 13 brings up a good point - what are you looking for? Great food in a 'romantic' atmosphere? Chintz or Glitz? modern or classic? Very upscale stratosphere or around $100 per person?

You've posted before, what have you liked here - perhaps then we can come up with a good suggestion . . .

Both Asiate and Bouley have wonderful (and much more affordable) lunches/brunches and I've been to both several times. At Asiate, the weekend brunch is pricier than the weekday lunch, but I think you get more food. We've gone on a Sat. when the place has been almost empty (which I like). Made reservations on opentable and noted special occasions and we got the window table we asked for.

I agree with much of williamscb's comments. I'd add Eleven Madison Park to the list of contenders.

Oh yeah - I agree w/ williams too - I think both the bar room and the restaurant The Modern are wonderful (if expensive) . . .

Thanks everyone- i didn't post my usual "where do you think we should go question" b/c i know people feel very strongly about their NYC restaurants and I was trying to make this a simple quest.Have been to Babbo and loved it, so that's why we're willing to maybe do the late res. CP girl that's good advice, i'll try that. We stayed at the mandarin once and were intrigued by Asiate, but it just wasn't wowing me, and i was wondering if i was just being stubborn. I think we're staying at Trump, so figured we should maybe see if asiate is that great. Maybe we will just have drinks there. Went to 11 madison years ago and hated it. Definitely want upscale, amazing food, but doesn't have to be crazy romantic. were thinking jean george, but i don't want to do french twice. Bouley has been highly recommended by several friends, so i'd really like to try it. never thought about the modern, but will look into it. Again, thank you all for your suggestions- I love reading about everyone's experiences.

Have been to Asiate twice - once entertaining a client and once a special event.

We loved it both times - but we did get fantastic window seats both times (arranged by my beau's assistant using the name of his firm). The food once was superlative. The second time it was excellent - but not above other great restaurants in the city. But - when entertaining a valued client name matters and money doesn't.

Only you can decide if it's worth the money to you.

I think 11 Madison Park would have a new chef since last you were there. As I recall, your b'day is around Labor Day and I think Bouley may be in the process of moving or closing for hols. so check that out.

Hi McLaurie- thanks- I have a reservation at Bouley- do you think they would have taken it if there was a problem? should I double check?
Thanks for the info- and for remembering my b-day!

I would phone and doublecheck. Ask if and when they're moving. Good luck!

This is from the NYTimes blog on 8/8/08:

"...Mr. Bouley has already announced that he is closing his flagship, Bouley, and moving it to 161 Duane Street. The old Bouley space will be taken over by Bouley Bakery. The old Bouley Bakery space will be taken over by another of Mr. Bouley’s restaurants, Upstairs, which means that Upstairs will no longer be located entirely upstairs. . . . By the end of the year, Danube will be history."

Thank you for the info MP

Thank you MP, i'm going to call about my reservation.