131639 Fri Apr 09 16:00:09 -0700 2004 2 10 Florida 0 710419 Has anyone been to the Raleigh Hotel for dinner recently? I know Eric Ripert from Le Bernadin in NYC is taking over but not usre if he did yet. Thanks Fri Apr 09 16:00:09 -0700 2004 0 sobe 1 710428 Had dinner there a few weeks ago - lovely setting, it's really beautiful in the rear pool area, and we loved sitting under a tree in a comfortable settee; it was quiet and romantic. The food was nice, nothing spectacular, but very professional and tasty. Ripert has been announced as their chef, and I've heard that he would be consulting on the menu, but there wasn't any evidence of that yet. The outside dining area is relatively casual, and I understand they plan to have a traditional dining room next season. Perhaps that's when the menu will reflect his influence. It's worth going, especially during the week, when it's quiet; you can get a drink at the outdoor bar and sit in the sand by the fire pit. Fri Apr 09 22:32:39 -0700 2004 710419 0 hattie 2 710603 Thanks for the advice! It really was lovely and the tuna in the truffle sauce was hard to beat. Thu Apr 22 10:03:39 -0700 2004 710428 0 Yummy