a nice simple place for dinner...

[umisquirrel]

Hi everyone,

I am planning a birthday dinner for my boyfriend, and he has a odd sort of description for a restaurant that he would like:

"simple, French (or American), not fussy" (He considered Prune to be in the too fussy category, for reference)

The dinner is for a small group of friends, about six. So ideally I'm looking for a place that takes reservations. Also I would appreciate it if the rec's are not for very expensive places.

Thanks a lot!

[nancyl126]

Five Points

[ChefJune]

Gascogne, 8th Ave at 18th street. Great food, "real" French, moderate prices, moderate priced wine list. great vibe.

[nokitsch]

Try Jean-Claude. Cash only though.

[Lucia]

Little Owl or Market Table for American

[bullygirl]

Capsouto Frères in Tribeca is a solid place. It's out of the way, but a good value for true french food in a nice setting. It's a large place so it's easy to get a reservation. We found it to be a good value for the food.

[ChefJune]

one of my favorite places in Manhattan, for any occasion!

FWIW, they can keep their prices so low because they OWN their space!

[sing me a bar]

La Luncheonette. Really nice staff, not a crowded miserable scene,simply great food.

[macncheesy]

The first place that came to mind was the Gramercy Tavern. It might be too expensive, but there's always the Tavern room which is cheaper.

[Spiritchaser]

Not sure what constituents expensive so I'll throw these out there:

Telepan
Marseille
Le Madeliene

db Bistro Moderne (this is the most expensive of the group but cool vibe and wonderful food)

[Jane A.]

Le Madeliene is closed. If you're way east, then also look at La Mangeoire at 53rd and 2nd. Friendly, neighborhood French. They take reservations.

-----
La Mangeoire
1008 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10022

[Spiritchaser]

La Medeliene finally lost their battle!? When did it become effective? I've been getting emails from them keeping me updated but I didn't get this news.

[RGR]

Hey, Spiritchaser,

Le Madeleine's owner lost the final judgment in his legal battle several months ago (in '07). As I've said before, it was foolish of him to even have bothered because there was no way he was going to win. In any event, this past Monday, March 10th, was the restaurant's last day.

[Spiritchaser]

I remember the decision but I thought he was still on his last appeal. Too bad, but if he had to go I'm glad he went down swinging.

[RGR]

I have to disagree with you about "going down swinging." Lawsuits don't come cheap, and there was no way he was going to win. What makes his decision to fight even more foolish is that I read an article in the newspaper that quoted him as saying he had his eye on another nearby location but didn't think he would have the financial resources to re-open there. He would have been better off accepting reality, holding on to his money, and using it to re-locate. I hope that somehow he does manage to come up with the necessary funds to do so. Otherwise, Le Madeleine will become just a memory.