really want to impress a date!

[looloo42]

hey so im lookin to impress a date..only problem is that she's been to almost every "happening restaurant" looking for something with a lively atmosphere, maybe a little underground, delicious food, any suggestions?

[rjm]

I agree w/ La Esquina or The Little Owl in West Village.

[jrazzle]

I would suggst Fr.og. I was there last week and it's fairly new (maybe she still hasn't been there?) The atmosphere is pretty hip and the food is great. I wouldn't say it's "underground," but check it out. I think the website is frognyc.com.

[winebitch]

pong also just opened up, and the "insiders" are saying good things about it.
i would definately second, third, and fourth degustation. be sure to call ahead.

[Jill]

La Esquina...it's a happening spot with tasty Mexican food. A bit hidden and definitely a scene.

[kobetobiko]

How about Degustation? At least you get to see the chefs cooking in front of you which may spark some discussions. And you can initiate "interaction" by sharing the small plates.

If you want to go "all out" to impress, sitting at the bar at L'Atelier de Joel Robouchon will definitey be impressive. You can view the preparation at the front kitchen (though most of the actual cooking happens at the back), and food is definitely delicious. Of course it will not be "underground' by any means.

Hope you have a wonderful date~

[jsmitty]

degustation is special and so is the chef wesley... i have tried every dish and liked then all!

[jsmitty]

craftsteak on 10th avenue is an impressive cavernous room, great food, with the craft name and a great bar in the front... i really enjoyed it in spite of its grandiosity
good luck

[wanderluster]

I'd say Falai (the one in LES, not the cafe), Les Enfantes Terrible or Freemans.
I've been on fun dates at all, and also had great food. I'd say Falai has the best food of the three, but if you really want a scene, Freemans would be a good choice.
Les Enfantes would be the most romantic, dim lighting and good cocktails.

[jsmitty]

i liked falai as well. home made bread too. which spawned their bread shop...

[ronoc]

How about Public. Stylishly trendy. Or Employees Only?

[looloo42]

been to buddah bar, eo, public and waverly inn, romantic sounds good but i was thinking something a lil extra-ordinary like maybe a restaurant thats not only a restaurant if you know what i mean, its for saturday night, oh and thanks so much for the suggestions keep em coming

[ronoc]

For "a restaurant that's not only a restaurant" you could always try Robert's Steak House
http://events.nytimes.com/2007/02/28/...

Or try and explain what you mean a little better...

[bac528]

Megu and Buddha Bar are both impressive as is L'absinthe...depends what you're in the mood to eat!

[nokitsch]

The Waverly Inn... if you can get in. That rhymes!

[zoeterry]

Well, she seems tough. but I do have one idea. It's called Grotto. (Italian)
It's down stairs on Forsyth Street. It has a tiny neon sign so you might miss it. They have a great bar and garden outback if the weather is nice. The food and wine are delicious and the intiment romantic. Your can't go wrong...what night of the week are you thing?

[Desidero]

Do you have any specific recommendations for Grotto? There's not much information on this board about the restaurant. I'm very intrigued by the backyard garden.

Thanks.

[bac528]

Barbetta has a lovely outdoor garden setting for dining and phenomenal food too!

[financialdistrictresident]

IMO food at Barbetta is not phenemonal, but the garden is!

[zoeterry]

The outdoor area is worth the trip alone. Almost everything I have eaten there has been great - specifically the tagliolini alla puttanesca, which is a black and white pasta with spicy tomatoes and capers. There is a section on the website with a shot of the garden. I highly recommend this spot - it's a gem!

http://www.grotto-nyc.com/