589033 Mon Jan 19 08:08:31 -0800 2009 1 18 Manhattan 0 4338464 Hounds, I need your help. This is kind of a tough one. Here are the details: four parents in their 60s who all know good food, and four kids in our mid-to-late 20s. Kids are in NYC, parents are arriving from various international locations. I need reservations for eight people on a Sunday at a restaurant where conversation won't be too difficult (this is crucial, since we can rarely get together) and where I can get out for around $600. Any type of food is fine--six of the eight are hounds--although I'm leaning slightly towards European cuisines. We don't need white tablecloths, but good service is important, great food is even more important, and I definitely don't want anything trendy. No one is a big drinker, so wine costs will be fairly reasonable. Any neighborhood will work, but accessible downtown would be best. I was batting around the possibility of Bacaro (although the menu looks rather limited and it might be too far downtown), Blue Ribbon Bakery, or Kefi, but I'd like opinions on those or other suggestions. Thanks in advance. Mon Jan 19 08:08:31 -0800 2009 23407 alex m 1 4338599 Since you mention Kefi (we haven't been), you might want to consider another Greek restaurant, Kellari's Parea, on 20th St., b/t Park Av. S. & B'way. The various mezzes we've sampled have all been delicious; the Greek salad is first-rate (Where do they get such fabulous tomatoes in the dead of winter?); there's an expansive selection of fresh whole fish displayed on ice, which kitchen does a superb job grilling; the moussaka is the best version we've ever had, and desserts are tasty. The only dish I would avoid is the 24-hour lamb, which is too dry. Service is pleasant and efficient. The large space has very attractive decor, comfortably-spaced tables, and a conversation-friendly noise level, as long as you are not there on a Friday night when they have *very* loud live music -- but not a problem for you since you are going on a Sunday. We have actually been there twice with parties of 8, and in both instances, the bill didn't come anywhere near $600. The last time, it was around $350. (No big drinkers.) http://www.kellari-parea.com Mon Jan 19 08:52:55 -0800 2009 4338464 13867 RGR