Husband and I going out to celebrate my getting accepted to grad school and want a romantic french spot- nothing stuffy. Would love outdoor seating. My favorite meal is mussels with frites, so thats a must- but its usually a given that it is shows up on french menus. Preferably outside of the UES. Thanks for any suggestions!
PS. Everyone seems to be bashing Provence...Is it really that bad?
By brenklein
on Jul 13, 2007 06:40 AM
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Gavroche is good.
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I'm with the suggestion on Gavroche.
Their mussels and frites are very good - especially the one with the pesto-based sauce.
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(I'm a huge and fan and on a kick) I would recommend Markt (it's Belgian), on 21st and 6th, for perfect mussels and fantastic frites. They have outdoor seating.
www.marktrestaurant.com
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The only reason I did not recommend the new Mrkt is that sitting on a sidewalk on 6th/21st (especially on 6th ave) is less than appetizing, I think. But their are mussels are great, indeed.
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Les Halles. around 26th and Park Avenue South.
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Sorry, but I must vociferously disagree with your Les Halles rec. The food's mediocre at best, service is a disgrace, the ridiculously close interior seating would make a sardine squirm, and the noise level is intolerably high. Oh, and outdoor seating is on the sidewalk with PAS traffic whizzing by. Not exactly romantic. Overall, in my view, the one word that comes to mind is "Avoid!"
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Ditto...Les Halles is awful
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And Les Halles downtown is even worse!
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Well, if you are willing to reconsider about UES, Le Refuge at 82nd and Lexington is a lovely Bistro. I find it very romantic, perhaps I am biased because my first date with my husband was there... But we have been back many times and have always had a very good time and good food. They also have a garden.
http://www.lerefugenyc.com/
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Awesome suggestions! Thanks! Going to try Gavroche or Markt...or even Le Refuge, although living on the UES means I like to leave the neighborhood when I go out...
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I haven't eaten there in a while, but Le Jardin on Cleveland Place (Nolita) has a lovely garden and the moules frites have been excellent in the past
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