10th Anniversary - Advice requested

[giantcrazy]

The wife and I are celebrating 10 years this weekend (her more celebrating, me more lamenting the money spent on her gift). Wanted to find someplace intimate with excellent food; romantic being the priority, but not at the expense of food (and something I can reasonably score a reservation on at this stage).

After a bit of experimentation and some deep reading, I think I've narrowed down to Chanterelle or Bouley. Admittedly, she's more a fan of Italian food than French, but I can't seem to find an Italian place that serves both purposes; some with great food, some somewhat romantic, nothing for both.

Not much of a foodie myself; am I going down the right path here? Are these both solid options, or have I missed something? Is there an Italian place that fits the bill?

[RGR]

We have not been to Bouley (and after the rather dismal experience a friend of ours had there recently, we're not exactly rushing to go).

We went to Chanterelle for the first time recently, and I highly recommend it. It has the whole package: superb cuisine; a fine wine list; very friendly, professional service; elegant decor; and the most widely-spaced tables in any restaurant we've been to in the city. And, yes, definitely romantic!

http://www.chanterellenyc.com

However, if you prefer to go in the direction of Italian...

I like Convivio a lot. Delicious food (I'm a fan of Chef Michael White's cooking) and appealing decor. But -- the ambiance is *not* romantic.

Alto is one of Convivio's more upscale sibling. Chef White's cuisine at Alto is first-rate -- more sophisticated than the rustic style he serves at Convivio. There's a very good wine list, and service is professional. The space is divided into several rooms, some having a cozy feel, and all having attractive decor. The overall atmospherics are low-key with a romantic feel. In my view, Alto is an excellent place to celebrate a special occasion. A quick check of OpenTable shows no difficulty getting a reservation for tomorrow (Saturday) at prime times.

http://www.altorestaurant.com

Wherever you decide to go, I wish you and your wife a Happy Anniversary!

[giantcrazy]

RGR - thanks, both for the post and the well wishes.

I'm going to skip Chanterelle this time (only because the wife is a big fan of Italian), but will keep it on the back burner. Despite living in NYC, we don't get out nearly enough (too many kids and not enough time), but I'll have to make an effort to fix that.

[planetjess]

I like Chanterelle in the spring, summer, fall and winter, but most especially in the winter--around the holidays, they often put the most luscious tournedos rossini on the menu. One of my top five favorite dishes at any Manhattan restaurant.

[demigodh]

there are definitely Italian options. Convivio is a great new Italian place. One of my favorite Italian restaurants is Il Bagatto. It's romantic and the two of you could get out of there spending $100 total including wine.

[giantcrazy]

I'd have to reserve Convivio for a future outing as well - if I escape for less than $250, she might have the word 'CHEAP' tattooed on my forehead on the way home.

[Spiritchaser]

You can look into Scalini Fedeli, see if it fits your needs.

[giantcrazy]

I did consider Scalini Fedeli, unfortunately they haven't had availability for this Saturday earlier than 9:30 PM for awhile. Looks like a great place for a future trip though.

[Spiritchaser]

Is that based upon Open Table or did the restaurant tell you that? They have 6:00 showing up but I'm sure that's too early.

[giantcrazy]

You know, I decided to bypass OpenTable and call direct, so I managed to get in at 7:30. A bit early, but that'll have to do.

Thanks all!

[planetjess]

For a combination of romance and (generally) great Italian food, I think Scalini Fadeli will be a perfect choice. Good luck!