1st Night Of 5 In Manhattan..............

[Littleman]

My wife and I travel to your great city once/twice a year. We were planning a 4 night stay and have reservations for dinner at Sparks Steak House, Il Mulino, Del Posto and Daniel the last night. I'm not a big Sparks fan but I'm with a group of 10 from Mississippi that night that want steaks.

I need help with reservations the lst night. I have in mind Eleven Madison Park, Gramercy Tavern, Felidia, Patria, Union Square Cafe or Gotham Bar and Grill. I even thought about Babbo or Jean Georges. I have been to all the above several times but it's been a few years since I have been to some of them.

$$$ is not a problem. My wife and I like a very nice atmosphere, good service and good food. Thanks for any advice.

[Lucia]

Patria is closed. I wouldn't recommend Union Square Cafe--it is not special enough.

[Littleman]

What about Gramercy Tavern then..........or Eleven Madison Park...........

[Lucia]

I've been to the Tavern Room at Gramercy Tavern and really enjoyed the food. I haven't made it to the main dining room but have read good things. I haven't made it to EMP since the chef change last year, so I can't comment.
I'll also add that I had lunch at Jean Georges this summer and definitely think it's worth a re-visit.

[Jill]

Eleven Madison is wonderful!

[CAB226]

I haven't been to all of the places you suggest; and of the ones I have been to, the most recent was back in March, so I don't know that I'm much of a position to make a recommendation. However, I do know that Patria has been closed for several years now.

One totally different (i.e., not on your list) place I really like is Telepan on the Upper West Side -- market-driven food, really tasty, nicely presented, excellent and attentive (but not hovering) service, and wines that paired very nicely with the food we got. I will also say that of what you've listed, the one place I REALLY want to go, and soon, is Eleven Madison Park. I have heard such wonderful things about what Chef Humm has been doing since he took over a year (?) ago.

Good luck in finding your restaurant.

[Spiritchaser]

Well if you searched for my other postings you may have seen this answer coming but I'll say it anyway - After your dinner at Daniel everything else will just be a meal. We absolutely love Daniel, I'm sure you will also. But, back to your question. How about Gordon Ramsey @ The London. Or Telepan near Central Park. Or another favorite, Aureole. Of these, Telepan is the most relaxed but what great food.

[Zucumber84]

My recommendation would be to go to Gramercy Tavern around 11 pm. It gets quieter and the ambience is really lovely. It is also so much fun to eat dinner really late sometimes and feel the NYC energy.

[Littleman]

Thanks Spiritchaser........I have been to Daniel about 10/12 times. It's my favorite of all NYC restaurants. We will be there our last night.

[Spiritchaser]

I realized I misread your original post and I thought you were looking for a last night (I misread 1st). My comment about Daniel is no where near as clever now that I see it will be your last night meal (and you already know how great it is)...8 )