First anniversary in NYC

[lvtocook888]

My husband and I are looking for somewhere to spend our first anniversary on August 8th. I've always wanted to go to one of Batali's restaurants, but wanted some recommendations. Although we live close, we do not make it to the city often for a fantastic meal. We want it to be a special night...please help!

[Pan]

Where did you go, and how was it? I hope you had a great anniversary!

[lvtocook888]

Thank you to everyone for all of your help! It was an amazing first anniversary! We went in early in the day went to Chinatown, to get a banh mi. A delicious start. Then walked around and shopped a bit. Checked in at the hotel and went down to The Russian Vodka Room (recommended by a friend). At first we weren't sure, but after trying a few different kinds of vodka we found some that were more our taste. Since our reservation wasn't until 11:15 we took our time getting ready. Prior to dinner we headed over to Pegu Club. We both loved the cocktails! I had the gin gin mule and my husband had the earl gray teani. Since they were getting busy we quickly paid our tab and headed over to Babbo a little early.

We only waited a few minutes and they seated us upstairs. The music wasn't a problem which I was very happy about. We promptly ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairing. The food was absolutely fantastic! By the time I got to the fourth course, I was already getting full! My personal favorites were the pappardelle with chanterelle and thyme and the pork tenderloin with sweet corn fregula and black truffle vinaigrette. My husband enjoyed the duck tortelli with "sugo finto", however, I realized though this experience that I do not particularly have a taste for duck. The desserts were excellent as well, but we were so stuffed by that point we didn't finish the final plates. Each and every wine went perfectly with each dish, and we're usually not ones for the sweeter varieties. When we go back I'd like to try an actual dish off the regular menu. The traditional tasting menu was great, but I would have to say only perfect for the first visit.

Prior to dinner we had every intention to make it to PDT and/or Death & Co., however, we left so full that we hopped in a cab and headed back to the hotel. We were asleep just after 2! No regrets though! We woke up the next morning, ordered room service then had to head back to CT for a baptism. In two weeks we plan on heading back with another couple for the day/evening to hit up the places we were so set on going.

Thanks again to all of your recommendations! It was truly a wonderful first anniversary!

[MMRuth]

Can you give us a sense of how much you want to spend, including tax/tip/alcohol? Might be difficult to get a reservation at Babbo at this point. I really like the food at Lupa, but think it might be a bit casual for a special night. I've not been to Del Posto, but based on reports here, I'm not inclined to. Are you interested in Italian restaurants other than Batali places?

[lvtocook888]

We were able to get a late reservation at Babbo which isn't bad if we find something to do earlier on. We really didn't set a budget for the evening, but really want something special and memorable. Yes, I'd also prefer something I can get dressed up for a nice evening out. If you have any other recommendations I'd be open to checking them out.

[planetjess]

As you have always wanted to go to a Batali restaurant, and this is a special occasion, I think you have chosen absolutely the right one. The only other of his restaurants that I would consider "special occasion" is Del Posto, and I do think you'll get more bang for your buck at Babbo (even if the atmosphere at Del Posto is more conducive to romance than Babbo). Call the restaurant back and ask them to make a note on your reservation to seat you upstairs if at all possible. I am serious about this. Your chances of being able to hear each other speak is twice as good (though not entirely guaranteed) if you sit upstairs. Go in determined to have a good time, and I'm confident you will--not everything is perfect about the place, but I have had good to delicious food every time.

[kathryn]

Babbo is nice but it's not super formal -- do note that there is loud music often playing, you might be one of the better dressed people there, and the service can be hit or miss. But the food has never failed me.

[RCC]

Babbo is an excellent choice. Don't worry about how you're dressed, we've been there many times before to see that it's quite mixed, but with mostly well dressed patronage. Perchance, we'll be the only the ones that you'll see as being dressed close to casual, if we run into each other. Plus, the food and wine are definitely in the celebration caliber.

[lvtocook888]

Thanks for all the help! It sounds like it'll be a good time. Should I look into Del Posto instead?

[Spends Rent on Food]

Babbo is the best Batali has to offer.

[ChefJune]

The food at Babbo is spectacular. Just be sure they know it's your wedding anniversary, and ask to be seated upstairs. Much less noisy there.

[lvtocook888]

I'm so excited! We're keeping our 11:15 reservation even though it is quite late. I don't want to get too crazy before an excellent meal, but we thought of going to grab a drink somewhere before. One of my friends suggested the rooftop bar at Gansevoort for a martini. I looked it up and didn't find great reviews especially for a Saturday night. Any thoughts?

[sam1]

depends on your style...the gansevoort roof is usually filled with guys with crispy hair and scantily clad women...not exactly how i'd like to spend my anniversary.

i think an 1115 reservation is insane. ive had dinner reservations for 10 and i thought that was bad. i did a quick look on opentable for sat...

veritas at 830, gotham at 9, toqueville at 8, perry street at 830...hearth at 8...all better places than babbo where youll have an excellent time.

[hcbk0702]

None of those will scratch the itch if you're after a Batali Italian restaurant though. I wouldn't take an 11:15 reservation, but if the OP wants to try Babbo, then go for it. Perhaps you should try calling the restaurant the morning of and see if you can switch to an earlier time; there are always cancellations and no-shows each night at any given restaurant. Mentioning that it's your anniversary dinner may help your cause.

Gansevoort is known more for its view and scene, not for good drinks. If you'd like carefully made cocktails, Pegu Club is within walking distance from Babbo and is excellent. Depending on what time you go, it'll probably be packed on Saturday though.

[lvtocook888]

Pegu club has some great reviews. We will have to check that out! We're going to make a day of it. Plan on taking the train in the afternoon, doing some shopping, check into our hotel and grab some lunch (banh mi) etc..

Yea, Ganesvoort sounds more like somewhere to go some other time. I dont think I'm really up for the blow outs and lack of clothing just for a good view. Another thing I've always wanted to check out were the 'prohibition' type places, but maybe I'm trying to fit too much in!

[hcbk0702]

If you're interested in that as well, the two best cocktail bars in NYC are within walking distance of each other in the East Village: Death & Company and PDT. They both embrace the prohibition/speakeasy vibe and without a doubt craft the most delicious and thoughtful drinks in the city. Their drink menus change with the seasons, and they use nothing but the best suited liquors (e.g. Hine VSOP cognac, Flor de Cana rum, Herradura Silver tequila, Laird's bonded applejack etc.), freshly-squeezed juices, hand-cracked ice, and even make their own bitters and infusions. All their drinks are jiggered with no amateurish free pouring, and there's not a single vodka drink on the menu (I wouldn't go if you want vodka, it has no rightful place in good cocktails). However, they're usually even harder to get into than Pegu Club because they're both small with no standing room. If you're willing to show up right when they open (usually 6 PM I think), either D&Co and PDT would be possible. I would say both are a notch above Pegu Club and about 10,000 notches above the Ganesvoort bar in terms of drink quality.