350275 Mon Dec 11 19:33:46 -0800 2006 0 18 Manhattan 0 2089674 Last week I went to a group dinner at Frank in the East Village. I had never been to Frank and now I would love to go back. My experience could not have been more pleasant. There is one large squarish table in the back of this small restaurant that can be reserved for group dinners. It is very rustic, wood-hewn. We crammed perhaps 22 people around the table and that was pushing it; it's probably best for between 15 and 20. If you are looking for a place where everyone can order a different meal, this is it. The hostess tried to at least preorder appetizers, but they told her she would miss out on the great specials if she did so, so she should wait! Appetizers included a special of pear with gorgonzola (such sweet pear, mild and yummy cheese), an arugula salad with what I think must be buffala mozzarella (so creamy and delicious), yummy-looking bruscetta (I didn't get to sample) and a few other things I missed. Plenty of bread and a bowl of olive oil replete with olives, too. For our dinner, we each ordered individually. I had a special of the risotto with quail, which came in an absolutely enormous bowl. Seriously, it could have fed three. The risotto was delicious and sharp with lots of rosemary. The quail (lots of little quail legs) was tasty too but since I felt uneasy about actually picking up the little critter to eat it (so gauche) I didn't taste as much of it as I would have liked. Others got a special of sliced steak with arugula (a whole mountain of arugula!) which they liked. Pastas garnered praise too. All portions were very generous. Nothing was above 18 dollars for entrees, even specials. Some of us drank (lots of) wine, and some didn't. The restuaurant obligingly split the bill between wine-drinkers and non-imbibers. The service was great. My wine and water glasses were constantly refilled and the waiters were happy to answer questions about the menu. We did not have coffee or dessert. For drinkers, the bill ended up to be 55 dollars per with tax and tip, for non-drinkers, something in the low-mid 30s (I think you can tell which side I fell on.) The only caveat is that it's all cash, no credit cards. In short, I highly recommend Frank for a group dinner. Mon Dec 11 19:33:46 -0800 2006 10198 eeee