363469 Tue Jan 23 21:01:45 -0800 2007 11 18 Manhattan 0 2220253 I'm taking my girlfriend to Cru for our one year anniversary and was wondering if it's appropriate to mention this to the maitre'd or someone else at the restaurant (or beforehand). Do restaurants usually do something nice for special occasions? Pardon my ignorance, but I've never mentioned these things to restaurants before and have usually just had the meal itself be the celebration. Thanks for the help. Tue Jan 23 21:01:45 -0800 2007 51255 tl823 1 2220931 I think you will find Cru to be one of the most accomdating restaurants you have ever been to. I'm sure the will recognize your occasion in a special way, every restaurant is different, but Cru will come through for the occasion and the meal! Wed Jan 24 06:14:53 -0800 2007 2220253 66286 chalz 2 2221059 Thanks for your reply. Should I call the restaurant beforehand or just mention it when I check in at the restaurant? Wed Jan 24 06:55:13 -0800 2007 2220931 51255 tl823 1 2221242 I am curious about this too. I wonder how often restaurants will go out of their way to mark a 'celebration' type dinner with something special. Perhaps when making the reservation, ask if they can seat you at a nice table and then mention that it's because it's a special occasion. That way they'll know and that's a natural segue into mentioning the occasion. Wed Jan 24 07:50:15 -0800 2007 2220253 15927 fascfoo 1 2221256 Don't feel bad about mentioning it when you make the res or calling back to confirm the res and say "did I tell you it is my GF B'day" I'm sure you will be happily suprised. Also be aware they will probably ask you if you want the "chef to cook for you" meaning a tasting menu. We were told it was a 9 course for $150.00. It ended up being 14 courses for $150.00 and worth every last cent! I felt a little, out on the spot, but again wotth every penny. Ask for Tim as your waiter, he's great. Wed Jan 24 07:53:59 -0800 2007 2220253 66286 chalz 2 2226965 What do you mean by "out on the spot"? Thu Jan 25 14:35:23 -0800 2007 2221256 52283 eatfood 3 2311180 meant "put on the spot" to let the chef cook for us. A little prseeure from the server Tue Feb 20 12:50:54 -0800 2007 2226965 66286 chalz 1 2221379 My girlfriend and I went to Cru for our anniversary. It was our first time there so I can't compare it to a "regular" meal there but they were very very welcoming and even started us off with champagne, compliments of the restaurant. That chef's tasting menu is a really amazing meal. I'm sure you'll be well taken care of. Enjoy! Jeremy Wed Jan 24 08:21:21 -0800 2007 2220253 10691 JeremyEG 1 2225295 Absolutely mention the special occasion. I would expect a wonderful understated recognition of the event at your table. Also, this is a GREAT CHOICE for a special occasion restaurant. You will have an AMAZING and MEMORABLE evening! Be sure to check out the wine list on line before going because the wine selections are too much to absorb on a first look at the table. That being said, the sommeliers are extremely helpful in chosing wines in ALL price ranges. This is the PREMIER restaurant in NYC for a magnificent meal designed for wine enjoyment. Thu Jan 25 08:36:38 -0800 2007 2220253 69104 Dr Jon 1 2226553 Thanks a lot for the advice everybody. I made the reservation already a few days ago, but will give the restaurant a call the week of to confirm and to mention the occasion. Hopefully the gf is in for a treat! Thu Jan 25 13:09:14 -0800 2007 2220253 51255 tl823 1 2227052 Congratulations on your anniversary. Whenever my wife and I go out for our anniversary dinner, I mention to the person taking the reservation that it is for a special occasion. Every restaurant responds differently but in most cases they may sit you in a nicer or more quiet area, bring out a specail dessert or drink, congratulate you, etc, to make your evening a little nicer. I would mention it when you make the reservation and you may want to call back the day before your dinner and ask to speak with a manager to remind them as well. I don't think you will be treated with anything other than first class treatment anyway at Cru. You make a great choice. Thu Jan 25 14:53:10 -0800 2007 2220253 13035 bobby06877 2 2229038 On a slightly different note, has anyone tried their new winter menu? Fri Jan 26 07:24:51 -0800 2007 2227052 52283 eatfood