Want something different from Daniel

[slapshotw]

Me and my significant other's anniversary is soon, and it's a bit of a tradition that we go to Daniel. Daniel is of course excellent, however, I think we're in the mood to try something new. Not Per Se, not ADNY, or Le Bernadin. What are high rated restaurants in the city that have different types of food and/or different experiences from what the restaurants I listed offer? We love to experiment-- for instance, we loved Moto in Chicago if anybody is familiar with that (however this doesn't have to be as crazy as that!).

Thanks,
-Matt

[slapshotw]

Decided to go with Veritas actually, and it turned out pretty well. Great meal, great wine, great time in general.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[DoctortedNYC]

Bouley...You'll love it...Equally so Jean Georges
Call ahead and tell them its your anniversary...they dont disappoint.

[carbonara]

This may be too different, but what about a kaiseki dinner at Sugiyama?

Here's a semi-recent take on the place: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/33578...

[slapshotw]

I liked the Veritas and 11MP suggestions. Of course I'll try wd-50 one day, but I think we've decided to go to Veritas for the occasion. The food doesn't appear on the face to be a great departure from Daniel, but everything I've read suggests the presentation and atmosphere make it a completely different experience.

Are there not a lot of fans of Danube on this board?

[slapshotw]

Thanks for the input everybody.

I'm surprised to see Eleven Madison Park getting such great reviews everywhere. My last time there was with the previous chef, but it is obviously very improved (although I thought it was great then too). Between your responses and Frank Bruni's review the other day I'll definitely make it a priority to check out.

What about something like Danube? I've heard it's a different take on upscale dining.

And as for Jean-Georges-- wouldn't that be an almost on par experience (in terms of food offerings and atmosphere) to Daniel? Or do I have the wrong idea?

[Lucia]

I wouldn't say that Danube is a different take at all. The food is Austrian, but none of the food/tastes are too different from other upscale food. Also, service is very traditional (and somewhat stuffy/rude).

[gutsofsteel]

I think the food at Jean-Georges is significantly better than the food at Daniel. I like the style of cooking much better. I also find the atmosphere and service at Jean-Georges more pleasant.

[jasmurph]

agreed. Daniel's food strikes me as competant, good even, but not interesting, and certainly not exciting. Jean Georges is much better.

[gutsofsteel]

Why not Jean-Georges? The food is excellent, with some modern touches, The room is one of the most gorgeous and elegant. Tables are spaced generously apart, service is a delight.

[kayonyc]

Oooh how I loved Moto when I went for a visit... If you loved Moto, then you'll find that WD-50 is probably as close as you'll get to it here. Wylie Dufresne doesn't get as crazy with the sous vide and liquid nitrogen, but he is innovative and fresh enough to earn the distinction of being one of the most unconventional and unique chefs around. Try the tasting course - you'll love it!

[nuxvomica]

i agree, wd-50 is the closest you'll get to moto in this town. you'll get more dessert-wise with Room 4 Dessert and Varietal.

Country dining room (upstairs) could be nice for a celebration too. the food is more classic, of course, but the room is beautiful and quite romantic (beats EMP) and the wine list extensive.

[RGR]

We haven't been to Country, but we have been to the Cafe, which is downstairs and pretty much directly below. The noise level in the Cafe can get extremely high, and I was told by one of the servers that it can be heard upstairs. Since you have been there, has that been your experience?

[RGR]

I agree that Veritas is a fine choice. Note that, acc. to the up-to-date menu on their website, they are not serving quail. But I wouldn't let that deter you. Everything Chef Scott Bryan serves is delicious.

http://www.veritas-nyc.com

Right now, however, my first pick would be Eleven Madison, which I think is *the* restaurant of the moment. Chef Daniel Humm's French-inspired cuisine is sensational and, as seal said above, service is first-rate, and the space is beautiful. We've had dinner, lunch and brunch there since Chef Humm's arrival, and every meal has been perfect.

http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com

If you want to stick with a Daniel Boulud restaurant, you can't go wrong with Cafe Boulud. While it may be his second-tier restaurant, with Chef Bertrand Chemel at the kitchen's helm, the cuisine is first-rate. Service is polished, yet cordial, and the small room has stylish contemporary decor.

http://www.danielnyc.com/cafeboulud

[manhattan foodie]

veritas for their quail with foie gras sauce and their wine list

[seal]

The place to go now is definately Eleven Madison Park. Overall, one of the best meals in the city. With the new price increase at Per Se and other prices at the top places in the city, the 4 course at $88 at EMP is a bargain as well.

A beautiful room, great service, and chef Daniel's cuisine made this place my pick for a special birthday coming up in two weeks. I will likely go whole hog and get the tasting menu with wine then.

If you have read Kitchen Confidential, you know just how bad it can be to go out for brunch, even at some of the better places. But my wife and I recently had an excellent brunch at EMP. Of course, we eschewed the eggs and pancakes in favor of the real food, but still ...

Wherever you go, enjoy ;o)

[chow_gal]

wd-50 for innovative; Cru for opulence, great tasting menu, best wine list in the city; Jean Georges.