Eloping. Where's the perfect place for dinner to follow?
My fiance and I will be married in downtown Manhattan on a Friday afternoon in August, just us, an officiant & a witness. We are looking for the perfect place for dinner to celebrate afterwards. It could be fancy, whimsical, lowbrow, in or out of the city - just interested to hear, where would you go if you were us?
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re: arugala
Sorry for the delay! Nick and I ultimately went to Eleven Madison Park and it was the best night of our lives. A gorgeous night in early August, and EMP treated us like royalty. Delicious champagne, perfect amuses-bouches between courses, perfectly cooked skate wing and lamb, excellent wine service - in fact, some of the best service I've ever had. Every member of the front-of-house staff stopped by at some point during our dinner to wish us congratulations, and said they were personally thrilled we'd chosen to celebrate there. What an experience! Thank you for all the suggestions, everyone.
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Lindsay10,
I got married last friday in city hall and we went to Blue Hill for dinner that evening. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. The meal was superb, flawless, the location quiet and intimate. I am almost crying just thinking about it. Enjoy.›2 Replies -
steve h.
Jul 17, 2008 02:40 PM
easy. homestead inn in greenwich, connecticut.
thomas henkelmann's food is outstanding. figure maybe 30-35 minutes by car (yours), metro north or limo. you might consider the limo given that you just got married and all.
consider spending the night. not cheap but think of all the money you saved by eloping.much better than stone barns.
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Caroline1
Jul 17, 2008 02:33 PM
Well, I'm certainly not a New Yorker, but being an aged foodie, I can't think of more than one or two NYC restaurants that have been there since I was in my twenties. And then you don't always know what the future will bring. You could be richer than Croesus in twenty years, or poorer than the proverbial church mice. I am a "veteran" of one elopement, and I know that the joy of the moment will make anywhere you go shine... Soooo, with an eye to the future joy of recapturing the moment in mind, are there any hot dog carts on street courners near the court house? Champagne and hot dogs on the courthouse steps has an effervescent romantic twist to it for me. Whatever you decide, happy wedding, happy life!
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Miss Needle
Jul 16, 2008 05:32 PM
Even though I've heard a couple of isolated reports about the service, I would say Bouley. It's intimate, romantic and near the courts. And the food is excellent as well.
A lot of the other suggestions other posters have made are good as well. It all depends on what you're looking for.
EMP -- wonderful food; would describe the atmosphere as being more grand as opposed to intimate
Per Se -- one of the best restaurants in NYC; atmosphere is a bit more serene
Daniel -- very nice decor as well; imagine being in a velvet-draped jewelry box
Jean-Georges -- modern decor; not as intimateOne thing I would NOT do is Le Bernardin. While I love the food there, I don't think the atmosphere is appropriate for a post-wedding celebration.
Congratulations!
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re: Miss Needle
Daniel -- Imagine being in the middle of the Acropolis with draperies.
Jean Georges does have two tables for two set into small alcoves on either side of the dining room which are cozy and intimate. We were lucky to be seated in one of those, and it was quite romantic.
I did not love the food at Le Bernardin. However, I agree 100% about the atmospherics. No matter how much they try to camouflage it, there's no getting away from the fact that you are dining in the lobby of an office building. Indeed, the antithesis of romatic!
Agree with your descriptions of EMP and per se.
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misnatalie
Jul 16, 2008 04:01 PM
I would say first split an ice cream soda at The Soda Pop Shop on Chambers st. and get some candy, have a little fun be whimsical, maybe even a little "naughty'. Then get ready for a really romantic diner at River Cafe, One if By Land, or Water's Edge. I think on a day like this you'll be so happy even McDonald's would taste great. Have fun and enjoy
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chezfredo
Jul 16, 2008 12:23 PM
One If By Land ... http://www.oneifbyland.com/ Dosen't get more romantic. Congrats!
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re: chezfredo
so fun! Congratulations!! Being at City Hall with all the couples getting married is the cutest thing ever. Some people bring their own photographers just for the hour or so, which I think is a great idea, and probably affordable since its only for an hour.. just a thought...
Anyway, despite never actually eaten there, my instinct tells me to second Il Buco. It looks so intimate, and its supposed to be a chef favorite (read: really good food). Its local, Italian, and has good chese and wine lists... need more? -
re: chezfredo
Acc. to reports, despite a change of chefs, OIBL's food has not significantly improved from its mediocre status. While it's nice to have a romantic setting, I think lindsay and her soon-to-husband should also have a memorable meal for this very special occasion. That combination can be achieved at many other restaurants.
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floretbroccoli
Jul 16, 2008 08:51 AM
I'd go for Chanterelle. It's so elegant and serene, and so convenient to City Hall. Or is it the Municipal Building?
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I have celebrated many special occasions with fabulous Manhattan dinners at Per Se, Daniel, Jean Georges, Gotham, Babbo, Le Berdanin and many others. For a very special occasion, I think Daniel does far and away the best job. A beautiful, serene setting with very kind service and absolutely amazing food.
It has been about 5 years since I have been there, but I would recommend the table we sat at (I think they have a few that are similar), if they still have the room set up the the same way: we had a corner tables that had a tent-type structure arond it - it felt very private and lovely. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!
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re: jenny444
Though the food at Daniel is superb, in no way would I describe the setting and ambiance as "serene." The decor is very fancy/schmancy, and when the dining room is full, there is a surprising amount of energy. On your list, Per Se and Jean Georges more closely fit that description, i.e., very low key elegance in both cases.
As for service at Daniel, when we were there in October, there were several serious service faults. Though we have had excellent service previously, the fact that these problems did occur makes me hesitate recommending going there when the occasion is as special as this one.
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re: cricri7
I'm going to echo Eleven Madison Park (duck for 2) and The Modern. But I think I would almost go for a posh hotel with a view, a great bottle of Champagne from Sherry-Lehmann (vintage year you met?) and room service. And a huge cake. The champagne and cake you can repeat in future years to carry on a tradition. Have a great day!
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i'd go somewhere with longevity -- so you can go back to celebrate your anniversaries.
you really have no cuisine preferences whatsoever?
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re: lindsay10
EMP and Per Se are very good restaurants with the potential for longevity, but they'are also sort of predictable as special occasion places. (Of the two, I personally find EMP more romantic.) Are you looking for something a little more off the beaten path?
WD 50 is quirky and memorable, but some people hate the food. The tasting menu with wine pairing is a lot of fun (in my book).
I think heading out to Stone Barns would feel special -- in part because of the trek.
If you two met in nyc, consider going back to the restaurant where you had your first date. I would personally find a sentimental / symbolic hook and proceed from there.
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