Where to go for a really special Xmas dinner with children???

[CFJ]

Irish family living in Philadelphia suburbs going to New York for a week over Christmas....once in a lifetime chance to be in the sparkliest city in the world for the biggest day of a child's year...little girls aged 5 and nearly 8 (and 3 months but he doesn't really count). Staying on Avenue of the Americas and W 39th street....where oh where to have a really memorable meal on Christmas Day???? Friends said Normas at Le Parke...any other ideas? We are not too stuck on the traditional dinner (which we have at Christmas and Americans have at Thanksgiving) but I can't see a Thai Curry being appropriate! Atmosphere and a beautiful place are very important here and we are not junk food eaters. Thanks for any help.

[llinza]

You will need to check that it is open but Sea Grill would be wonderful - you get a view of the Rockefellar Center skating rink. Last year, leading up to Christmas they were doing special brunches with Santa Claus in attendance. They do have a website if you google. If they are not available I think any of the other Rock Center restaurants would be a good and festive choice.

Certainly plan on a trip to Serendipity or Alices Tea Cup for the girls while you are here.

The food is nothing memorable but Tavern on the Green would certainly be sparkling.

[Spiritchaser]

Check out Park Avenue Autumn (currently Autumn but it changes with the seasons). Beautiful place and very good food.

We were recently at Daniel and asked if they would be decorating for Christmas, they said they had plans to make it very seasonal.

[chow_gal]

I wouldn't want to bring an 8 yr old, 5 yr old and infant to Daniel. Waste of money and not good for children I would think.

I agree with TOTG - crappy food but kids would go ga-ga for it. There will be lots of tourist families there too I would think.

[Spiritchaser]

I have never been to Daniel without there being at least one family with small children so the 5 and 8 year old would be fine, I misread the part about the infant so that might make it a little difficult.

I didn't think CJF wanted touristy which around Christmas is all you'll get at TOTG.

[adido]

Gramercy Tavern is beautiful at Christmas time, I think it can be kid friendly. Good food too.

[jamielynn]

I second Gramercy....the in house florist makes that place pop during the holidays.
Maybe EMP?

[chow_gal]

Aren't all Danny Meyer establishments closed on Tgiving and Christmas so that employees may celebrate with family?

[RGR]

You are correct, chow gal. All Danny Meyer's restaurants are closed the day of. But they are open the evening before.

[RGR]

A correction to my post above. For the first time, one of Danny Meyer's restaurants will not close on Thanksgiving Day. Eleven Madison Park will be open and will be serving a 4-course prix-fixe for $125.

[jamielynn]

oops...ha and i worked there!

[dkstar1]

I would assume hotel-based restaurants will have great Christmas dinners planned. You might consider Country (Carlton Hotel), Gordon Ramsay (The London NYC), The Four Seasons or BLT Market (Ritz Carlton). I think Chanterelle does something special as well...

[kobetobiko]

Bouley definitely has a special menu for Christmas. It is a beautiful restaurant the food is delicious!

[CFJ]

Many thanks all of you for your posts....

[bronwen]

Will the Plaza be open for Christmas? If so, the Palm Court would be wonderful.