502146 Mon Mar 24 06:13:56 -0700 2008 5 18 Manhattan 0 3521400 Coming to NYC for the first time, and need that one last dinner to cap everything off. I've been reading so much, between here, NYMag, and menu pages, and we've narrowed it down to either Eleven Madison Park or Bouley for that one, last blowout dinner. But I can't decide between the two. We're looking for something memorable, romantic, tasty, and unlike anything we could get at home. Both offer cuisines that are attractive, but which one will I never forget? Some context - ruled out Daniel, as we're going to DB Bistro Moderne before a show, Per Se is out of our price range, and I'm not feeling the Jean Georges menu as much as these other two. Other adventures while in NYC will (hopefully) include Babbo, Gotham Bar and Grill and a steakhouse (deciding between Dylan Prime and Strip House). Thank you! Mon Mar 24 06:13:56 -0700 2008 125171 canuckfood 1 3521506 I'd pick Eleven Madison, but I think both are worthy. Depending on your timing, you may not need to chose: http://www.timeout.com/newyork/the-feed-blog/restaurants-bars/?p=2642 Mon Mar 24 07:05:39 -0700 2008 3521400 17642 David W 2 3521526 well, that does make my decision easier! Thanks for the link. Mon Mar 24 07:14:27 -0700 2008 3521506 125171 canuckfood 3 3522003 canuckfood, Regulars on this board know that I'm a huge fan of Eleven Madison. It's our favorite NYC restaurant, we've been there too many times to count, and I can't imagine you wouldn't find your dining experience there memorable. Chef Humm's sensational French-inspired cuisine, the excellent wine list, service that is very cordial and polished, the relaxed ambiance, and the gorgeous space are a hard-to-beat combination. I do think I should mention that the dining room is huge. So, if your idea of romantic = small and intimate with very dim lighting, that's not EMP. Mon Mar 24 09:27:54 -0700 2008 3521526 13867 RGR 1 3522314 Hi canuckfood, Having recently tried the menus at both Bouley and EMP, I preferred the current menu at EMP more. In particular, the meat entrees at EMP were better than those at Bouley. Both had phenomenal seafood dishes. As for Jean Georges, I am not sure why it doesn't appeal to you, but in any case, do not let the "sound" of the menu fool you. Their dishes are outstanding, and if you take advantage of the lunch prix-fixe, it will be the best bargain you can get in the city. Lunch or dinner, I will choose Jean George over Gotham in no time. Babbo is a must! As for steakhouse, Keens is a favorite of many hounds in the board, but if you are sticking to your 2 options, I personally like Strip House better. Mon Mar 24 10:40:49 -0700 2008 3521400 54254 kobetobiko 2 3522791 I had lunch at EMP a few weeks back and I was disappointed with the overall experience. The crabcake I had for an appetizer was inedible. This was the first crabcake I've met that I really didn't like. I thought it was me at first but several other people had the same reaction. It was extremely vinegary and had the texture/appearance of an overfried falafel. The tenderloin that I had for my entree was superb. It was perfectly cooked (somehow they knew that I wanted it rare without me asking) and very very tender. It more than made up for the disgusting crabcake. Dessert was basically their version of a Twix/Butterfinger bar. I like Twix bars but this didn't taste very good and was difficult to eat with a knife and fork. I also didn't care for that or a chocolate + popcorn and (I think) peanut butter concotion either. The guys that refill your water also have this thing they do with a napkin. They place the napkin against the glass as they refill it. I guess that prevents guests from being splashed by water but it also means the napkin touches my glass and everyone else's. It didn't seem like they switched napkins or folded them even as they went from person to person and table to table. I only noticed this after I had about 4 refills of my water. Mon Mar 24 12:30:23 -0700 2008 3522314 19911 SomeRandomIdiot