226733 Sun Sep 25 15:21:57 -0700 2005 5 18 Manhattan 0 1205461 We will be in NYC mid-October and are in search of some new dining experiences. Has anyone had lunch/dinner at Payard Bistro? It is listed on www.farmtotable.org where restaurants using quality ingredients are listed. We will be in the Hudson River Valley the week before that so I'm sure that we will want to continue our "quality ingredients" quest in NYC. We already have a rez at Babbo (loved it last year when we were there) but would welcome any other suggestions. Thanks Sun Sep 25 15:21:57 -0700 2005 0 Chowlady 1 1205711 I had dinner at Payard Bistro once several years ago and have never gone back because I didn't think the food was anything special. Even the pastries, for which Francois Payard is famous, were a disappointment. In line with your quest for a restaurant offering quality ingredients, I highly recommend Fleur de Sel, on 20th St., b/t B'way & 5th Av. It's an upscale French bistro with superb cuisine that is in the haute category. Chef/owner Cyril Renaud uses the freshest seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are always delectible. There's a fine wine list, service is professional, and the small space has stylish contemporary decor. Enjoy your visit to NYC and Bon Appetit! Link: http://www.fleurdeselnyc.com Tue Sep 27 00:50:11 -0700 2005 1205461 0 RGR 2 1205714 I would differ with the first response - I had dinner there a couple of years ago and was quite blown away by the quality of what we were served. The bouillabaisse and the cassoulet were superb. If they have it, I would also heartily recommend the wine I had that night: the '98 Monbousquet St Emilion. Get guidance from the sommelier otherwise. Meanwhile, there are two other Absolutely-Do-Not-Miss items: Lupa, on Thompson just above Houston, and Scalini Fedeli down in Tribeca. The former for the pasta, in all its glorious forms; the latter for the whole meal. Tue Sep 27 07:16:39 -0700 2005 1205711 0 Joe 3 1205939 Thanks so much for the info. I just looked at Lupa's website. Sounds wonderful but I'm wondering if it might be too similar to Babbo where we already have a dinner rez. Scalini Fedeli sounds great too. Notwithstanding the possible redundancy of Babbo/Lupa, do you think that Lupa might be a better choice than Savoy where we plan to walk from Battery Park after visiting Ellis Island? Tue Sep 27 23:45:39 -0700 2005 1205714 0 Chowlady 2 1205832 Thank you for the suggestions. Fleur de Sel looks wonderful; I have just made a dinner rez there. Tue Sep 27 15:11:33 -0700 2005 1205711 0 Chowlady 1 1205715 Payard serves a lovely chicken salad at lunch. Tue Sep 27 07:32:42 -0700 2005 1205461 0 MMRuth