Chowhounds: “Picky eater challenge” - thanks in advance!

[bella716]

“Picky eater challenge” (dinner for four, 9/19/09)

Friend 1. The birthday girl (guest of honor): doesn’t like sushi, indian or any asian food types – nothing too inventive (simple palate)

Friend 2. Fairly easy to please (bit of a foodie) but would prefer somewhere fairly new and trendy

Friend 3. That’s me – I just want everyone to get along. Would also like a place that has an extensive drink list with fun cocktails.

Friend 4. Don’t know her preferences, but interesting décor doesn’t hurt.

Location: prefer in Manhattan and below 42nd Street

Price range: would prefer average entrees at $15-26

Thanks in advance!

[sam1]

cookshop
barbuto
market table

[smokeandapancake]

THE SMITH
Doesn't get simpler than this.
(you can order Birthday Cake off their dessert menu)
Check out the cocktail/dinner menus
http://www.ctrnyc.com/Menus_pdfs/TheSmith/TheSmith_DrinkMenu.pdf
http://www.ctrnyc.com/Menus_pdfs/TheS...

[bella716]

UH OH - thought Freeman's would be a shoo-in but is was deemed not "fun" enough for said birthday girl. Think 16 year old cheerleader

[goodhealthgourmet]

okay, how about Stanton Social? or Hudson Cafeteria? it's not downtown, but seriously, something's gotta give here. she's really limiting the options with her anti-ethnic palate because most of the places that have the vibe you're looking for serve Asian or Latin food.

one more thought - LevantEast at Thor? dinner at the restaurant, and then you can have drinks at the lounge - 105 Riv.

[bella716]

Thanks goodhealthgourmet - and Latin is allowed. I think that the idea is a fun scene, interesting people and wacky decor, more than fun food. Hudson cafe might work. Thanks again!

[goodhealthgourmet]

well then also consider a tapas/small plates spot like Boqueria. and if she's up for Greek/Mediterranean, there's Alta (not "wacky," but definitely high-energy). or you could go with the nautical theme at Lure Fishbar...

[LeahBaila]

The Standard Grill
Freeman's
Apiary
Bar Artisanal
Marc Forgione

www.thelunchbelle.com

[bella716]

Thanks LeahBaila - I put in a call to freemans and will wrangle up a six top so I can score a resi

They are really picky and didn't like the earlier suggestions -thanks anyway, Goodhealthgourmet and fivedanfive; they are just really hard to please appreciate it though

[bella716]

I haven't told them about Freemans yet but I think they will like - thanks again

[LeahBaila]

I hope so!! Otherwise, Emporio may be a good choice. Good luck and enjoy!

www.thelunchbelle.com

[FiveDanFive]

Schiller's Liquor Bar in Lower East Side might be good.

[goodhealthgourmet]

Italian is probably the safest bet for keeping the guest of honor happy. maybe one of the following would work:
'inoteca
Al Di La
Otto

[bella716]

Inoteca looks promising thanks, goodhealthgourmet

[bella716]

I like anything with liquor in the name thanks, fivedanfive

[smokeandapancake]

I absolutely LOVE the cocktail menu at inoteca