EMP or Per Se?

[christene]

Which one for dinner on a Friday night -- regarding both food and service (food being more important, of course). I am lactose intolerant (wah!), willing to swallow lactase pills for something really worthwhile, but I still stay away from really milky or cheesy things, so if that should steer my choice, let me know. Thanks!

[rathbone]

Christene,

You will be happy with either, but Per Se is absolutely on a completely different level, everything from the the moment you walk in to the moment you stagger out stuffed with your bag of french macaroons will be perfect. Service is impeccable, food is unreal (and they are incredibly accomodating to food allergies) and the decor is wonderful. Go to Per Se if you can get a reservation.

[christene]

Thanks, everyone! I'm a little embarrassed at my naivete about the reservation situation at Per Se, but since after the first reply to my post I figured I would not get one, we're going to EMP. One of these days I will get to Per Se...I will try the mid-week attempt or just call for something months in advance (not even sure that is possible)...well, thanks again!

[tpigeon]

I just went EMP is great but Per Se is quite a bit better. You will love EMP though.

[christene]

Thanks everyone! I'll have to try Per Se whenever I can get a reservation, I guess that would be a few months out (or after the holidays??!)

[jordana]

Chef Thomas Keller is recognized for being accomodating with food allergies. I think Per Se is the best fine dining experience in nyc. Per Se in my experience is the most accomodating restaurant in nyc regarding food allergies,

[BW212]

Per Se is very accomodating regarding food allergies, likes and dislikes on their menu. I know this firsthand. I'm sure you should have no trouble having them substitute something for the cheese course etc.

You may want to let the restaurant know about your food issues in advance, when you make the reservation. Also, although there are many courses, the portions are small, so if you do decide you're going to want to try some dairy and use your lactaid tablets, it's not like you will be eating a HUGE portion of dairy.

[dkstar1]

just to be clear - Chef Benno is far more involved (on a day by day basis) in the restaurant than Chef Keller. Benno should, in my opinion, be recognized more often when talking about Per Se.

[Tay]

christene
If you can do last minute dining, especially if you can go mid week, It never hurts to call the restaurant "the day of", or see if they have a wait list. On more than one occasion we've been able to book via opentable. Sometimes, you just happen to be on site at the right moment.

[krunkymunky]

sorry ... what is EMP?

[MMRuth]

Eleven Madison Park.

[krunkymunky]

facinating. why have i never heard of this place? should i be making reservations and trying this place asap? or is more of a "when you get a chance" kind of place?

anyway, don't worry about the lactose intolerance thing at per se. i'm lactose intolerant, brought my lactaid with me ... it was no problem whatsoever. further, one of my friends doesn't eat red meat so the kitchen adjusted her 9-course accordingly. not only that, but the substitute dish that she was served instead was one of the best dishes of the evening.

[idia]

No question-- Per Se.
(not a fair comparison actually)

[RCC]

Different level, caliber and costs. All higher for Per Se.

[druz99]

I think this thread should answer your question emphatically: www.chowhound.com/topics/451521

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

[Med618]

EMP is wonderful, but Per Se is really on an entirely different level.

[tpigeon]

EMP - Per Se was the best meal of my life but I am 99.999% sure you won't get a reservation.

[tpigeon]

Whoops, I read "on Friday" instead of "on a Friday". Sorry. I have never been to EMP. I am going next Wednesday though and I'll get back to you. Though I would be entirely shocked if Per Se wasn't much better than EMP.