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JT007 Dec 10, 2007 02:07 PM

Help! Special Birthday Dinner

Hey, Philly 'hound here. My girlfriend has recently relocated to NYC for work and is about to celebrate her 25th birthday. Her entire family lives in NYC and eat out often. I appeal to the board at the last minute, as her b-day is a month away tomorrow and I know lots of places start accepting reservations 1 month out

here are the specifics:
8 people, eating at prime time on a Friday night
not 4 star prices but doesnt need to be necessarily a bargain
would prefer quiet and intimate over loud and trendy
Manhattan is a must but let's put the whole island in play

I would've loved to give Babbo a shot but they only take 6 as a max. I'm really all over the map...was thinking about Po, Tasting Room, Little Owl (fat chance)...suggestions?

Thanks!
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›10 Replies . Latest Dec 11, 2007 by Jel212
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     sam1 Dec 11, 2007 05:58 AM

    id go with telepan...perfect for families. nice townhouse in the upper west side (but not too north), great food that everyone can enjoy, relatively decent deal...like 4 courses for $59 or so.

    service is professional and friendly and you wont be packed in like sardines like most options downtown.
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    1. Steve R Dec 11, 2007 05:56 AM

      A lot of places fit that bill but, since I ate a great dinner at Hearth last night, I'll recommend it to you. Its a good mix of creative solid food at a reasonable price with good ambience. In the past I've been there with parties of 8-10 and it was a hit.
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      1. re: Steve R
        Jel212 Dec 11, 2007 06:20 AM

        I second hearth
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         Simon Dec 11, 2007 01:47 AM

        Il Giglio -- old-school Italian in Tribeca...elegant, festive, perfect for a bday dinner...delicious antipasti, nice wines, shrimp fra diavolo, desserts, dessert grappa...personally i'd rather go here than Babbo...
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        1. re: Simon
          j
           JT007 Dec 11, 2007 05:39 AM

          Thanks for the suggestions...I'm going to try Park Ave Winter and Toqueville
          While not suggested, how is the food at Il Buco?
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        2. jenniebnyc Dec 10, 2007 07:41 PM

          Park Ave Winter is a great choice. Very special, very festive (wintery), very expensive. (but worth it) Try the gnocchi with nantucket bay scallops, the veal chop was the best I've ever had and the latkes were up there too.

          Another good choice is L'Impero
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          1. re: jenniebnyc
            JungMann Dec 11, 2007 06:00 AM

            Second Park Avenue Winter. Great place for a seasonal celebration with food that is haute, but accessible.
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          2. v
             Ve_ex Dec 10, 2007 06:44 PM

            I'm kind of in the same situation. I want to take my buddy out to a really nice birthday dinner. My first thought was Babbo--how easy is it to get reservations one week in advance ? Any other recommendations are also appreciated.
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               alsta65 Dec 10, 2007 02:50 PM

              A few Recommendations..

              BLT fish is awesome...They have their fancier upstairs and their more casual downstairs..

              Landmarc (In Tribeca and at Columbus Circle)..Great food....Great wine...great atmosphere...Terrific for bigger parties!!

              Park Avenue Winter--- Terrific Place

              Hope this helps!
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                 RGR Dec 10, 2007 02:47 PM

                I would suggest Fleur de Sel or Tocqueville.

                http://www.fleurdeselnyc.com
                http://www.tocquevillerestaurant.com
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