665048 Thu Nov 05 16:31:27 -0800 2009 4 18 Manhattan 0 5159476 Help! I am trying to come with a place for the husband and I to have a really good dinner and drinks to catch up a bit to unwind from a crazy few weeks. Doesn't have to be pin-drop silent or staid- we like a place that has charm, vibe and a little buzz-but loud as hell isn't quite what we're up for either. Just about any kind of food will do except Indian. Could be "scene" but doesn't have to be. Just has to be good. Thu Nov 05 16:31:27 -0800 2009 24576 MRS 1 5159768 Unfortunately, broad questions like this tend to get few responses. If you could at least specify a price range and preferred locations, it might help to narrow things down a bit. Any foods you like better than others? Thu Nov 05 18:45:03 -0800 2009 5159476 126803 rrems 1 5159827 True, rrems. Good point. We're happy to spend on a good meal and a good experience. So I can't say we have a price range. Prix fixe restaurants don't do much for me b/c I can be a bit particular and I find they rarely have what I'd truly want to eat. We certainly enjoy Asian food, Italian, Mexican, "American" ( if there is such a thing). I don't think we're location specific, but the East Side tends to be where we find ourselves the most. I was just trying to figure out someplace where the food and drinks are good, we can hear each other without feeling 90 years old, and we can have some fun. Thu Nov 05 19:12:28 -0800 2009 5159476 24576 MRS 1 5159893 My top choices for great food, that are quiet and relaxed enough for conversation would be Cru, Convivio, and Olana. Others that I also like a lot: Scarpetta Bar Blanc Harbour Aldea Perilla Dovetail Pepolino All of these are moderate to upper-moderate but if you go for more expensive, you will generally end up with prix-fixe, of which I would recommend Picholine or EMP. Both have superb food, Picholine offers a lower-priced 3-course menu in addition to the regular dinner menu, and you can add courses for $12 from either menu. Both offer many choices of dishes so I don't think you would feel limited by the prix-fixe. Convivio has an a la carte menu but for $59 you can choose 4 courses and it is very good value. Hope this helps. Thu Nov 05 19:41:03 -0800 2009 5159476 126803 rrems 2 5159899 Thank you!!! I am going to start checking these out ASAP!!! Thu Nov 05 19:42:57 -0800 2009 5159893 24576 MRS