233037 Fri Apr 14 23:05:40 -0700 2006 8 18 Manhattan 0 1236497 I'm graduating from law school at the end of May. My parents are coming to town to celebrate and I'm looking for some recommendations. There will be 6 to 8 of us. I'm looking for a place that feels special, has good food and wine (or, better yet, great food and wine), isn't too loud (so we can talk), has good service, and isn't terribly expensive. (Including a three course meal, wine, tax and tip, it would be nice to be under $60/person.) A private or somewhat private room would also be great. Any cuisine is fine, although something in the Mediterrenean/French/Italian/American realm would probably be best. Anywhere in Manhattan is fine. Thanks! Fri Apr 14 23:05:40 -0700 2006 0 Villager 1 1236499 Edit to the previous post: we might be able to go a bit higher on budget (like $60 not including tax or tip). Fri Apr 14 23:18:35 -0700 2006 1236497 0 Villager 2 1236506 Babbo Hearth Sat Apr 15 09:53:37 -0700 2006 1236499 0 Traz0r 3 1236529 blue hill Sat Apr 15 17:16:25 -0700 2006 1236506 0 achoo 1 1236505 The Harrison fits the bill with the private room angle Union Square Cafe would also work - without the private room. Both walk the fine line of being special without being "terribly" expensive. Sat Apr 15 09:02:53 -0700 2006 1236497 0 Fred and Wilma 1 1236554 Jean Georges for lunch. Hell of a deal. Sun Apr 16 02:16:37 -0700 2006 1236497 0 I_<3_NYC_FOOD 1 1236574 You don't indicate whether this is for lunch or dinner. It's much easier to do lunch at the finer places and stay within your budgetary constraints. For example, at Fleur de Sel, while dinner is out of your price range, lunch would work quite well. In addition to the a la carte menu, they offer a 3-course prix-fixe for $25 and a 4-course prix-fixe for $42. The cuisine is delicious, there's a very good wine list, and service is professional. The small space is attractive, comfortable and has a very conversation-friendly noise level. www.fleurdeselnyc.com Someone suggested Hearth. Although the food's very good and service is first rate, the decor is quite plain in a sort of industrial way. Furthermore, the front dining room is where they seat all large parties. We sat there, and I found the noise level to be rather high. Giogio's of Gramercy would be a good fit. The Italian/New American cuisine is well-prepared, and the diverse menu is sure to have something to please everyone. Service is pleasant and efficient. The dining room has very attractive decor and a comfortable noise level. Prices, which are a la carte, should enable you to remain within your budget. www.giorgiosofgramercy.com Congratulations on your law school graduation and best wishes for a successful future. Sun Apr 16 12:03:54 -0700 2006 1236497 0 RGR 2 1236577 Giorgio's of Gramercy is a good idea. I think we also might go with Union Square Cafe--it's a little pricier, although the service is always top notch, the food good and it feels a bit special (although somewhat in that Zagat-I-landed at the #1 restaurant sort of way). While lunches are a better deal, we can only do dinner due to timing. Otherwise Fleur de Sel, or as an earlier poster suggested, Jean Georges, would be great picks. Sun Apr 16 13:03:48 -0700 2006 1236574 0 Villager 3 1236596 My husband and I both thought the food was much better at Giorgio's. Our one dinner at USC, which goes back several years, was very disappointing. Maybe our expectations were too high, but we thought the food was very ordinary. I almost always remember exactly what I had when a meal has been exceptional, and I have absolutely no recollection of anything I had a USC -- which, to me, says volumes. Also, it didn't help that we were seated on the balcony, which seemed as though we had been relegated to Siberia. (No problem recalling that feeling! lol) However, since you indicated in your original post that you would like something a little more private, the balcony area might suit you. Sun Apr 16 17:47:47 -0700 2006 1236577 0 RGR