Birthday Dinner.... Tasting Menu? Other Reccomendations?

[kesues]

Every year, my aunt and uncle take me to a really nice dinner in celebration of my birthday. Last year was Le Bernadin (we didn't do the full tasting menu, only the 4 course menu). Anyway, I guess past precident set about $100 a person price range. I love doing tasting menu's w/ wine pairings but my aunt tends to be more of a picky eater (are there any restaurants where the whole table doesn't have to do the tasting menu) and does not really enjoy wine enough to want to do the pairing. Any suggestions, please? I would also love to go somewhere I have not been which eliminates Cru, Gramercy Tavern, Bouley, Nobu, Craftsteak.... I have been considering Daniel and Aureole so thoughts on these would be appreciated as well as any other suggestions. Thanks in advance

[fascfoo]

I can pretty much guarantee that you will not be disappointed in the slightest if you go to Daniel. However, two caveats:

1. Am pretty sure it will be more than $100pp.
2. Tasting menu required for the entire table.

That being said, they're usually very accomodating about food requests so they'll swap out one thing for another.

[ellenost]

I adore Aureole, but you would need to ask whether one person can have the tasting menu while the other orders a la carte. Usually most restaurants require the entire table have the tasting menu since it would otherwise create a lopsided service (one person would have a plate while the other wouldn't). You certainly can ask for wine pairings while your aunt doesn't. Aureole has a website that lists their menu (both a la carte and tasting); maybe you can order a la carte and add an extra course for yourself (I've done it many times). The website is charliepalmer.com.