Weekday lunch, great food and maybe a garden?

[mclaurie]

Hard to find that combination. Budget not an issue. Must be Manhattan but any location is ok. If compromise is required, the garden will go as long as it's light and airy. A sidewalk table is not what I'm after. So far I'm thinking Jean Georges but it doesn't have to be fancy, just good. TIA

[RGR]

Gascogne, on 8th Av., b/t 17th & 18th Sts., has a very charming garden. The French bistro cuisine served there is not on the Jean Georges level, but it is well-prepared and delicious.

http://www.gascognenyc.com

For a restaurant with no garden but cuisine on the Jean Georges level, I highly recommend Eleven Madison Park. At lunch, in addition to the a la carte menu, they offer a 5-course Gourmand tasting, which is always exquisite. The space is gorgeous, and with the (sun)light cascading in through the huge windows facing Madison Square Park, it's truly magical!

http://www,elevenmadisonpark.com

[JungMann]

Barbetta on Restaurant Row has a beautiful garden. Not as cheap as lunch at JG, though.

[Lucia]

You're definitely thinking along the right lines--JG is great for lunch.

[mclaurie]

Have decided to give L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon a try. Good idea?

[Lucia]

I haven't been, but wanted to caution you that L'Atelier is supposedly stopping lunch service soon:

http://eater.com/archives/2008/06/tro...