Last minute bday reservation - my own

[centrejack]

I just returned from a wonderful vacation in Italy, and basically forgot about my Birthday which is tomorrow. My partner wants me to choose a restaurant for us and two of our friends. Normally I would scour Chowhound looking for the perfect place, but alas, time is not on my side, nor is the demand for good restaurant reservations on a warm Thursday night in May!

So my friends on CH please give me the gift of a great recommendation. Below are some places I really like (at least for the food if not the service), and it can fit anywhere in that price range.

Modern
Lupa
Las Ramblas
El Paradour
Five Points
Pampano
Zarella
Szechuan Gourmet
Babbo
Casa Mono

Thanks for your help.

[DarthEater]

Veritas

[ceeceee]

crispo is one of my faves! on 14th btwn 7th and 8th. very similar to lupa. BEST carbonara in the city!

bianca on bleecker (corner of bowery) is another adorable italian. cheap, cute and delicious!

[centrejack]

We had a hard time getting reservations at most places suggested and at a time that worked so we ended up at Five Points - I haven't been in awhile, and I really loved their spring menu.

Lots of dishes with Ramps, asparagus, fava beans, rhubarb, etc... it was a great meal. I also highly recommend the Barbera D'Alba that is on the wine list by the bottle. We really enjoyed it as well - sometimes Barbera's especially D'Alba's can be a little too mellow. This one had a touch of spicy kick in the finish, it was quite nice, and I think around $30 per bottle.

FYI - I had a client lunch at David Burke and Donatella today and I love the room and the service but the food - I would rather have gone to the Modern, or back to Five Points.

Thanks for your suggestions. Cookshop is on the itinerary for Brunch this weekend, and hearth, Crispo, and Alta are at the top of the list.

[kesues]

Urena, maybe?

[winebitch]

hearth, cookshop, il buco are my current favorites. i had a REALLY delicious dinner at la pizza fresca the other night.

[erin07nyc]

Alta should be able to fit you in - lots of fun food to share, and great drinks and wine.

Cafe Noir in Soho works very well for groups. The food is great - some French, some tapas-style - it's very affordable, and the service is above average, too.