Every year I have the job of making dining reservations for our group(12-14). We are in the city the second weekend of December. Previously we have dined at Jean-George(just 8 of us then), Alaine Ducasse, Daniel and last year Per Se. I need a wow place. We are sophisticated diners and for this trip cost is not a factor. The food of course is our primary interest, but a good dining experience is also important. Location and cuisine is flexible. I would like to do something different without compromising the level of dining we have been enjoying. We are not a stuffy group either. I really need some help.

Thanks.

where????

Call the James Beard house and see if you can get the board room. Seats 12. Guaranteed not to compromise in any way. Visit their website for details.
www.jamesbeard.org

Go to www.chowhound.com and join.......it's free. Click on their Manhattan Board and you will get some quick response. I could name some great restaurants but none any finer than the ones you already went to. I like Felidia, Babbo, Il Mulino, Le Bernadin, Union Square Cafe, 11 Madison Park, Cafe Boulud and Gotham Bar and Grill. Bon Appetit.

Thanks for the input. I've been going to the James Beard website but the December calendar is not up yet. I guess I don't understand how booking the boardroom works. Do you have to be a member? Is it difficult to get? If you book the boardroom do you provide a chef/caterer or do you also book whatever event is scheduled for the boardroom on that date. Actually this is what I wanted to do in the first place. Last year when we had the private diningroom at Per Se, Thomas Keller was at the James Beard House.

The chef is whomever is there that night. You do not have to be a member, but you will probably pay more--about $25 per person, and there is a $200 fee to book the room. I would just call them and see what you can do. They will have more info than what is on the website.

Le Bernadin if you can't get into the James Beard House.

Out of my price range, so I don't have a specific recommendation. But, opentable.com does list the Michelin rated restaurants in NYC so that might be a good list to choose from.

Eleven Madison Park is getting lots of foodie "buzz" since chef Humm took over. They have private rooms.

What about going out of the city to Blue Hill at Stone Barns?
http://www.bluehillstonebarns.com/bhsb.html

Eleven Madison Park is definitely on my list. I considered Blue Hill at Stone Barns, but I am concerned about the traveling. I realize that it is not far, but we've run into blizzards several times over the last few years. Planes delayed, etc. and could possibly miss our reservation. What about Blue Hill in the West Village? I did call the James Beard House about the Boardroom - had to leave message waitin for a call back.

The Michelin Guide to NYC is basically useless. I purchased the first version but have not bought it since. It is so francocentric that did not even give Aquavit one star. If you interested in haute French then it be helpful but otherwise it works as French doors doorstop very well.

I guess everyone has their own way of investigating restaurants in order to make the perfect choice for their needs. I like to get advise from people in travel/dining forums. Then I look at the restaurants website, check a few published guides, cross my fingers and make a reservation. After that, I hope I hit it on a good night. All in all, I know I'll live to dine again.