*Need a miracle: expert Chowhounder help pls

[stella10022]

Need a place anywhere in Manhattan that is:

Upscale (price is not a problem)
Any neighborhood
Funky, but not like down-home funky, but hip and different
NOT Sushi
Also, food must be decent.

This is the kicker: everywhere is booked. Suba, Public, Tasting Room, WD50, Red Cat---all booked

I need from 7pm-8:30 for seven people for this Saturday.

Any ideas?

Please... I will be very grateful for help. :)

Rose Water..Thanks..about Yakitori Totto..I called was hung up on and then busy signal...

Any others?

[jmo9]

The House
Gotham
Waverly Inn
Supper
Hearth
Blue Hill
Spice Market
Tao
...not so "different", but I love Mesa Grill

Good luck!

[stella10022]

Thanks jmo9, jsgjewels, kobetobiko, nikky, kelea, noot, rosewater, RGR and funky monkey! GOOD ideas from everyone!!

we've decided on La Grenoiulle - not hip but good
hip places were booked-

[RGR]

There are probably not too many restaurants in NYC as far removed from hip as La Grenouille!

Enjoy and Bon Appetit!

[stella10022]

Thanks RGR!! Have you been there? Is it good?

[MMRuth]

I'm not RGR - but I do love La Grenouille - definitely not hip, but an incredibly beautiful room - I'll dig up my review - it wasn't a complete glow - but might be helpful in terms of ordering.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/231047

I realize some of it is a bit negative - so one big tip is to make sure you sit across from one another and not next to one another on a banquette - you'll see what I mean when you read the review. The food is excellent - you might want to check out the menu on their website.

http://www.la-grenouille.com/

If you can peruse the wine list, it's worth doing that too, as I recall it being somewhat overwhelming.

[jsgjewels]

Alta? Freemans (they only take rezzies for large parties)? I'm sure you tried Stanton Social... Kittichai? Kion Dining Lounge (cool, good food, but not tragically hip)...

[kobetobiko]

I agree with Buddakan suggestion. It is huge so I think you should be able to get a reservation. Suggestions on dishes are the dim sum and appetizers, and the poultry itmes in entrees. Stay away from the rice and noodles. Cocktails are very interesting, and desserts are excellent! I think you will have a good time!

[RGR]

Perhaps, Amalia? It's on 55th St., b/t B'way & 7th Av. Delicious Mediterranean cuisine. As regards the ambiance, I thought the decor was beautiful with a very hip feel, i.e., more downtown than midtown. Even though you'd be going during pre-theater time (restaurants in that area tend to empty out around 7:45), it's a big place, and it's relatively new, so you might have a good chance of getting a table. Their website is still under construction, but the telephone number is there: http://www.amalia-nyc.com

[kelea]

Buddakan? They can accomodate larger parties

[stella10022]

Thanks, Kelea forgot to mention I did call Buddhan and they are booked.

Good call though right on the money!! Similar to that!!

[nikky]

Along the same vein - sharing plates, good cocktails - what about Kittichai?

[bigjeff]

too bad kittichai was booked? had some stupendous meals there before and great for large groups.

[noot]

http://www.opentable.com/opentables.a...

[stella10022]

Thanks Noot.
I'm not sure Periyali is hip enough. Thanks though!!

Anything similar to the TAO vibe (they are booked).

[funkymonkey]

the pickings are slim, but have a look at opentable and see what you can get.

seems to me that the best option would be to call the places that don't take reservations, unless you're a large group, like blue ribbon and landmarc.

[rose water]

Yakitori Totto?

[stella10022]

Rose Water..Thanks..about Yakitori Totto..I called was hung up on and then busy signal...

Any others?