199210 Mon Jan 27 16:26:00 -0800 2003 5 18 Manhattan 0 1062290 Which one is better? I want to treat my boyfriend to a romantic dinner, but I want to go somewhere entirely different. I'm trying to avoid the standard italian and french restuarants. I thought of Shun Lee, but I didn't realize that there were two! In Zagat's, Shun Lee Palace sounds like the place to go, but in City Search, they talk up the Cafe. Does anyone recommend either one? If not, any other suggestions where I can take my honey? I'm hoping not to spend more than $150 for the two of us. Thanks Chowhounds Mon Jan 27 16:26:00 -0800 2003 0 Rachael 1 1062296 There is nothing romantic about Shun Lee Cafe. Shun Lee West, to which it is attached, is dark enough that some may find it romantic. To me, Mr. K's or Tse Yang are as close to romantic as Chinese gets, but they are fancy and overpriced. Shun Lee Palace will have fine service and good food, but not a romantic room. If romantic is important, I'd stay away from Chinese. Mon Jan 27 16:52:20 -0800 2003 1062290 0 MichaelZ 2 1062302 You know what? I'm not sure I agree. Shun Lee Palace is romantic in a weird kind of way...lots of older, coiffed couples, lots of uptowners and as refined as Chinese gets. My husband and I have had a few romantic nights there. But again, not *traditionally* romantic. Mon Jan 27 17:09:38 -0800 2003 1062296 0 Lisa 3 1062346 Yes to the Palace. But beware! They have 2 menus, the black one has interesting but not authentic Chinese, the white one is authentic. Try a little of both. Tue Jan 28 00:45:27 -0800 2003 1062302 0 Ron 2 1062310 If you are with the right person, a McDonald's can be romantic. Mon Jan 27 18:07:29 -0800 2003 1062296 0 meryl 1 1062370 I went to Shun Lee Palace for a romantic (birthday) dinner last year. The room is really nice and the food is top notch (nothing really groundbreaking, though). There was an older gentleman at the table next to us blowing his nose the whole time, so that put a slight damper on things! Having said that, I would go back. Tue Jan 28 10:11:22 -0800 2003 1062290 0 nypb