246036 Tue Apr 26 13:57:35 -0700 2005 22 19 Outer Boroughs 0 1307127 Folks- I'm taking the girlfriend out for a nice dinner Saturday night. I'm trying to decide between Applewood and Stone Park. Here are the facts: -- I have a 7:30 reservation at Applewood -- I know Stone Park only takes walk-ins... -- We like good food -- Al Di La is our favorite in the neighborhood. -- We like nice wine though we know next to nothing about it. -- We're looking for amazing "Oh my god you have to tatse this!" food. Nice service and a not-too-loud room (As in Song or Joya) is nice too. -- I tend to prefer hearty dishes... braised pork cheek, short ribs, etc. -- I've read a lot of what's on these boards already and that didn't really help me make up my mind. Opinions? Can't miss dishes at either of these places? Peter Tue Apr 26 13:57:35 -0700 2005 0 Peter in the Heights 1 1307128 Personally, I would take the 7:30 reservation at Applewood. It might take a long time to get a table at Stone Park, and their attitude leaves something to be desired. Tue Apr 26 14:11:07 -0700 2005 1307127 0 parkslopemama 2 1307130 Stephanie- Thanks for the quick reply. A few things: 1. You sat Stone Park's "attitude leaves something to be desired"... is this based just on an experience during the recent Restaurant Week or a another or more frequent experience? 2. Have you been since the Times review a few weeks ago? I imagine that's given them an extra does of attitude as well as a larger crowd. 3. In reading up on the two, I was concerned that Applewood would be overly cute and casual... while the photos of Stone Park on the Times site make it look comfortable but still sophisticated. Are my concerns about Applewood off-base? 4. Somehow I also have the sense that Applewood would be a relatively quick meal while Stone Park would let us take our time and linger over a cheese plate. Am I completely off base? Despite what I write above I really want to go to Applewood... I just want to go the right kind of place too. Peter Tue Apr 26 14:22:21 -0700 2005 1307128 0 Peter in the Heights 3 1307142 Applewood quickly catapulted itself into the list of places I'd eat anytime in Park Slope. I find the food to be a notch above that at Stone Park, and service is gracious and professional. We had an early seating during restaurant week, but they seemed ready to let us linger the entire night. The only downside is that the sound can be a little bright, depending on where you're sitting, and the air in the room is a trifle stuffy, but these are minor downsides compared to the excellence of the food and service. Tue Apr 26 15:54:34 -0700 2005 1307130 0 Peter Cuce 4 1307449 Stone Park = Attitude. Sure, it was restaurant week when I dined there. But then again, that week found me at Applewood, Tempo, Rosewater, Blue Ribbon Sushi, Alma, Blue Ribbon to name a few, and Stone Park was the only restuarant where the waitstaff truly made my small party feel unwanted. Sophisticated? I guess. But the food and service weree better at each of the above mentioned restaurants that week, so I am afraid that 'restaurant week' excuse is a weak one. Mon May 02 13:44:04 -0700 2005 1307142 0 Jeff 3 1307146 Go to Applewood. I think you're overthinking it a bit. Before you even used the word, I would have chosen "comfortable" to describe its atmosphere. It's not super elegant, ant it's not super casual. It's a grown up place with friendly and professional staff and excellent, well-thought out food choices. And don't worry that it'll be a quick in-and-out experience. Nobody rushes you. You get plenty of time with the menu, an offer of a before-dinner drink course, and time to savor each food course that comes after. I've never been to Stone Park, so I can't compare, but I wouldn't get scared away from Applewood for fear it's too casual. Tue Apr 26 16:12:55 -0700 2005 1307130 0 dirtgirl 3 1307151 I agree that you're worrying too much about this! Go to Applewood! It's great! My comment about Stone Park is based on a combination of (1) an experience I had months ago (way before RW) where we received a very unwelcoming welcome, the waitperson was snippy, and we waited 50 minutes for our food, and (2) all the complaints posted here during RW. Still, enough people have posted rave reviews of Stone Park, that you should try it at some point, to see for yourself. But if you want to make sure the atmosphere/attitude is nice, Applewood is a safer bet. Tue Apr 26 16:31:52 -0700 2005 1307130 0 parkslopemama 3 1307152 As someone who frequents Stone Park for brunch on the weekends, I must say that i've never experienced bad or snooty service. They let me linger at the bar with some coffee for as long as i like, no matter how crowded it gets. The one time I went for dinner, we were there for over three hours. There was no sense of being rushed, and the wait staff was lovely, even providing us with extra cookies when commented on how good they were. i've been to applewood as well, and while the service and atmosphere was fine, it was nothing spectacular. the food was good, and they do have an interesting cocktail list, though. Tue Apr 26 16:37:09 -0700 2005 1307130 0 CP 1 1307144 You might also consider Tempo. I had a very nice meal there this past weekend. I think the food quality is similar to that of Stone Park, with similarly hearty portions. I prefer the food at Applewood to both of these, but I'd go to Tempo anytime for very good food, mostly great service and a beautiful room with perfect lighting. The wine list is huge. Tue Apr 26 15:57:46 -0700 2005 1307127 0 Peter Cuce 1 1307159 I've had good service and good food in Applewood and Stone Park. For a date though, I'd choose Stone Park. It's elegant and more adult than Applewood. When I was at Applewood, the owner carried her baby around in a snugli giving the place a more family oriented vibe. That's fine, but maybe not for a date. Tue Apr 26 19:19:59 -0700 2005 1307127 0 Claire 2 1307169 I agree. That whole earth mother thing is a bit much. Good food though. Date place--Stone Park. Tue Apr 26 22:08:31 -0700 2005 1307159 0 Lawrence 3 1307186 I didn't get any mother earth vibe whatsoever. Place seemed thoroughly professional to me. I'm not saying you didn't, but I doubt that's the experience of everybody. Wed Apr 27 09:47:01 -0700 2005 1307169 0 Peter Cuce 4 1307196 The owner carries one little girl around on her hip for the first hour and the baby in a snugli until 10 p.m. If that's not earth motherish what is? I didn't say I didn't like the restaurant, or that "we're one big happy family" feeling bothered me, I just don't see it as the best choice for a date. Wed Apr 27 11:46:38 -0700 2005 1307186 0 Lawrence 5 1307199 Actually, my girlfriend and I are fine with the owner carrying around her child... I actually love it when Michelle(?) does that at Convivium with her son - it makes it feel very warm and friendly. Peter Wed Apr 27 11:54:09 -0700 2005 1307196 0 Peter in the Heights 5 1307200 Actually, my girlfriend and I are fine with the owner carrying around her child... I actually love it when Michelle(?) does that at Convivium with her son - it makes it feel very warm and friendly. Peter Wed Apr 27 11:54:11 -0700 2005 1307196 0 Peter in the Heights 5 1307207 I said that I didn't see that, so it probably doesn't happen every day. Do you go every day? Wed Apr 27 12:25:39 -0700 2005 1307196 0 Peter Cuce 6 1307212 Yes, Peter, I go everyday, and when they're closed I sleep outside their door. Wed Apr 27 12:53:17 -0700 2005 1307207 0 Lawrence 6 1307220 I think you've made a lifelong friend. Wed Apr 27 14:01:52 -0700 2005 1307207 0 Bob Martinez 1 1307167 Applewood without a doubt. Stone Park did not impress me although it's fine but I adored my meal at Applewood. They have a braised beef cheeks appy and a roast duck that is mesmerizing. Try the fallen chocolate souffle for dessert too. Tue Apr 26 21:56:10 -0700 2005 1307127 0 charlotte russe 1 1307180 I go to Stone Park, despite the attitude. I have even succeeded in defeating the attitude (see my Dine in Brooklyn comments by ctrl+F "famdoc"). You will almost certainly have a very long wait if you go on a Saturday evening at 7:30. If and when you do go to Stone Park, please order the 2002 Palacios "les Terrasses" Priorat from Spain. For $40, you will not have a finer bottle of wine in any restaurant. As for Applewood, please insist you not be seated near the bar. By 8:30, the crowd is five thick at the bar and you and your date will be unable to hear each other. Far too many Chowhounds agonize (publicly) over their restaurant choices and don't take enough chances. Your inquiry was provocative, but overly agonized. Just eat and enjoy! Wed Apr 27 00:51:15 -0700 2005 1307127 0 famdoc 1 1307202 Folks- Thanks for all the wonderful advice! I don't know why this particular meal caused me to agonize so much -- we eat out 2 or 3 times a week (just last night popped into Tabla's Bread Bar on a whim) so it's not like this is the only meal we're going to eat out for the foreseeable future. Anyway, I've decided we're going to eat at Applewood. I'll make sure to call ahead and ask for a table NOT near the bar... is there any particular place I should ask for that's especially romantic? Also, what are the "must-have"s and the "stay far away"s there at Applewood? Again, thanks for the advice so far and thanks for the forthcoming advice! Peter P.S. Stone Park supporters, no worries! Undoubtedly we'll end up there some time in the next month or two! Tempo too! Wed Apr 27 12:01:13 -0700 2005 1307127 0 Peter in the Heights 2 1307217 I've only been once, but I got to sample 3 meals. The pork belly appetizer, skate entree, duck, and lamb were all great. Their homemade ice cream is really something, not too sweet, with clear flavors. Wed Apr 27 13:47:16 -0700 2005 1307202 0 Peter Cuce 2 1307235 I think you will be glad in your choice of Applewood. We had the good luck to sit very near the fireplace. We didn't ask for it, just happened that way. It was a pretty spot, romantic and not near the bar. Of course, that was on a mighty chilly evening, and if the weather improves this might have limited appeal. If there was an Earth Mother vibe, it didn't, like, start me lactating or anything. Wed Apr 27 18:49:23 -0700 2005 1307202 0 Deb Van D