Best Once In A Lifetime Manhattan Meal?

[georgelambert]

Where to go?

[cmballa]

I was taken out for a post-Xmas meal at Le Bernardin last year, and it was the best meal of my life, but I haven't eaten at Per Se yet, so

[pizzajunkie]

On Tripadvisor, a lot of people rave about Gramercy Tavern. I am about to do a search on this board to find comments, but many reviews I saw said people preferred GT to Per Se. So many restaurants, so little time!! I wish I could try them all LOL!!!

[tpigeon]

I really like Gramercy but dish for dish against Per Se? Fuggetaboutit!

[krunkymunky]

i was pretty surprised by the comment and went to tripadvisor to check it out. i read the review that raved about GT and said that the person didn't want to pay the deposit for Per Se. certainly, the cost of a dinner at Per Se is at first glance prohibitive, but let me put it to you this way: right now on kayak.com tickets to costa rica are $250 r/t from NYC. i would rather spend that $250 on the 9 course at Per Se.

not to say that GT isn't great. i've been to GT with friends and it was excellent. but to say its a "once in a lifetime meal" in New York is like calling Gerald Ford the greatest man of the 20th Century.

[pizzajunkie]

krunky - ROFL - thanks for the input! You definitely answered my question. Now I'm wishing I would have calendared 60 days out so that I could have at least attempted a per se reservation! sob!! ;)

[lisalu]

Per Se, Per Se, Per Se-
Daniel is great but you asked for once in lifetime

[druz99]

Apologies to all the Hounders who have seen me tireless vouch and rave for this particular Manhattan restaurant that has transformed my life and outlook on fine dining...

Per Se.

George, I cannot stress the magnificence of my experience here and hope you'll make the decision to do yourself a favor and at least try for a reservation (you might not be so lucky, but if you have some hookups ie. an Amex Centurion concierge make the reservation, you just might!).

The food and service was simply impeccable...and the food simply doesn't stop coming. It was the best $350 dollars I have ever spent!

For pictures on my experience at Per Se, feel free to check out: http://www.gobbl.com/blog/418

[tpigeon]

Per Se. I have been to many of what are considered the top restaurants in NYC. Per Se is the best of them. I thought Jean Georges was second btw.

[drumwine]

Per Se.....no brainer

[Tay]

I'd have to opt for Per Se. The food is inventive and delicious but it's the total experience that is so memorable.

[krunkymunky]

a few years ago i went to per se and it came to be the best meal of my life to that point. a few months later i went to alain ducasse at the essex house and it was even better. not that the food at alain ducasse was better, but the service: at per se i felt that the service was as if the waitstaff knew that the night was a special occasion for us and that we were so lucky to be eating there; at alain ducasse the waitstaff treated us as if to say "of course you deserve to have this incredible meal with impeccable service and a beautiful flower arrangement and a special stool for your girlfriend's purse. it is our honor to humbly serve you." !!!

of course, this is chowhound and not service hound.

and alain ducasse at the essex house is closed.

so i'll just say per se and keep it simple.

[Tay]

I found the food at ducasse to be lacking, but as with all things, preferences are subjective.
As for Per Se... You were fortunate to be dining there, but they were also fortunate to have had you as a patron.

[druz99]

I <3 and miss Alaine Ducasse.

---------------------------------
I like to eats.
http://dru.gobbl.com

[Spiritchaser]

All depends on what you want. I'm sure a lot of people would say Per Se. I would opt for Daniel.

[georgelambert]

What about Le Bernadin?

[Spiritchaser]

Wonderful but fish influenced. If you want more selection and creativity go Daniel.

[krunkymunky]

agreed, although i tried some of my friend's waygu beef there once and it was possibly the greatest thing i've ever placed on my tongue.

[tpigeon]

Are you talking about the Waygu beef at per se? If so, I agree wholehartedly.

[krunkymunky]

actually, it was at le bernadin! one half of a surf-and-turf.