199808 Thu Feb 27 14:50:45 -0800 2003 17 18 Manhattan 0 1065547 I was *going* to go to TIBS tomorrow night for a special dinner with my boyfriend (we share the same birthday), but after reading the reviews below, I'm nervous and want to cancel. I'm drawing a blank on where to go now, so I thought you all could help. I'm looking for quiet, semi-romantic, great food (no Asian--I've been eating Chinese all week), in a pleasant small, not-too-casual atmosphere with wait staff and management who take great pride in their food and the overall experience. Our favorite restaurant is Al Di La in Park Slope and I've had an experience similar to what I'm seeking at Convivium Osteria--also on 5th Ave. We could just go back to Brooklyn's best Italian, but I'd like to try some place new in either Brooklyn or Manhattan. I'm willing to spend about $75 pp not including wine. Any recommendations or advice would be appreciated! Thu Feb 27 14:50:45 -0800 2003 0 mindburrp 1 1065550 Since I'm one of the ones who turned you off One If By Land...may I suggest Bayard's down near Wall Street? Very romantic, beautiful spot. The executive chef was formerly at Lutece. And the area itself is quite romantic- cobblestone streets all around. Excellent food. I can't wait to go back! Thu Feb 27 14:55:28 -0800 2003 1065547 0 Dipsy 2 1065551 Why not pick a place that is also romantic, has better food, is less expensive, and happens to be two doors down at 13 Barrow Street. Annisa. Thu Feb 27 14:56:42 -0800 2003 1065550 0 JMinNYC 3 1065559 Also in the same neighborhood: Chez Michellet. Charming, adorable, and french. Also, Grove --newly French-- on Bleeker and Grove St. Fun, excellent, but not as cozy, is Agave on 7th Ave. north of 10th St. excellent Latin!!! Thu Feb 27 15:19:59 -0800 2003 1065551 0 xavier 4 1065628 How about March on the upper East Side? Wonderful food, great service and very romantic. Not inexpensive but not much different in price to One if by Land and no comparison. Enjoy wherever you go. Fri Feb 28 00:08:51 -0800 2003 1065559 0 Steve Piller 2 1065643 I like Bayard's very much, but I would not call it romantic. TIBS may be the most romantic restaurant in NYC that I have seem. Another good choice is where I have taken my wife for Valentine's Day the last few years: the main restaurant in the Carlysle Hotel. I also think that La Grenuille is romantic in the old fashion sense. Auriole is also very romantic. Fri Feb 28 08:44:03 -0800 2003 1065550 0 Edward Aretz 1 1065562 I just had a special dinner at The Grocery on Smith Street in Brooklyn, and we loved it. Excellent food, very attentive and helpful staff, very accommodating, all in a very intimate, low-key, quiet setting. It's not romantic or formal in a fussy way--it's pretty minimalist--but still felt professional. They could use one less table in the place, but the general vibe made up for the small space. You may have already been there, so it may not fit your bill of trying something new (and sounds like you'll happily pay even more), but it worked for us. The recs for Annisa also sound great, esp. if you can afford it. Thu Feb 27 16:00:46 -0800 2003 1065547 0 JenaeR 2 1065563 I did the tasting menu last summer at The Grocery with wines [a glass per course] for $75 total [$50 without the wines]. It was one of the best meals I've had...the food was outstanding and the wine parings were also very good and interesting. It's certainly intimate and $75 for five courses and wine is a bargain! note: you have to tell them in advance if you are going to do it, and the chef comes out to talk to you about things you like/don't like/are allergic to... If you want to go in Manhattan, I recently had a very nice meal at Salt. Very cozy on these cold nights and within your budget. Thu Feb 27 16:15:43 -0800 2003 1065562 0 Melissa 3 1065574 mmmm...Salt is a great idea in this instance. very cozy and intimate, even, strangely at the communal tables. Thu Feb 27 16:43:16 -0800 2003 1065563 0 xavier 1 1065571 While I agree that you don't want to eat at OIBL/TIBS it is a very romantic place to ha ve a drink before, or even better, after dinner. Soft lighting, fireplace, comfortable couches, etc. Thu Feb 27 16:38:30 -0800 2003 1065547 0 Deven Black 1 1065576 Annisa and Bayard's are both great suggestions. Since you will at this point be a slave to reservation cancellations, might I also suggest you try Veritas or Cafe Atlas. One of the four should be able to accomodate you. Thu Feb 27 16:47:45 -0800 2003 1065547 0 RickJ 1 1065578 The Garden Cafe on Vanderbilt, cor of Prospect in Prospect Heights is very small, charming and elegantly romantic - its run by a couple who take great pride in their french-influenced food. They may even still have a weekday prix fixe deal. Definitely worth checking into. Thu Feb 27 16:48:49 -0800 2003 1065547 0 jen kalb 1 1065600 I recommend Tocqueville. The French/American cuisine is superb. The room is relatively small and quiet, with pleasing contemporary decor and very comfortable seating. The servers are friendly, yet professional. I've included a link to the restaurant's web site. Happy Birthday to you and your boyfriend and Bon Appetit! Link: http://www.tocquevillerestaurant.com Thu Feb 27 18:51:47 -0800 2003 1065547 0 RGR 2 1065757 Yeah, Tocqueville! The dark horse favorite. Sat Mar 01 01:00:53 -0800 2003 1065600 0 Peter Cuce 1 1065601 Deborah might also fit the bill - and is in the area - it's our favorite no fuss nice restaurant... Thu Feb 27 19:11:12 -0800 2003 1065547 0 Becca Benghiat 1 1065602 I'm going to have to throw out Aquavit again. Food-wise, it's excellent, exciting, and refreshing. Many items on the menu will not only serve as nice conversation pieces but also taste amazing (eg. artic char served with risotto and mushroom broth poured from a tea kettle). In terms of decor, the lighting is soft, the room is breathtaking (ask to be seated in the atrium and let them know that it's both of your birthdays), and something about the cool soothing sound of water cascading down 2-3 stories of marble is very sensual. Thu Feb 27 19:11:46 -0800 2003 1065547 0 Porthos 2 1065805 Must agree about Aquavit. Also love Bayard. The chef was the original with exec chef Gilbert Le Coze at Le Bernardin. But back to Aquavit. You just can't beat it for romance. Make sure you ask for the downstairs dining in the atrium with the water( must be specific when you make a reservation). The menu is superb. Do a tasting or not. Pick your own bottle or let them match per course. Love that place. Sun Mar 02 05:01:51 -0800 2003 1065602 0 lejardinier 1 1065617 Deborah might also fit the bill - and is in the area - it's our favorite no fuss nice restaurant... Thu Feb 27 21:44:45 -0800 2003 1065547 0 Becca Benghiat