665263 Fri Nov 06 13:32:44 -0800 2009 7 18 Manhattan 0 5161796 A question from an out-of-towner: A good college friend of mine is getting married in Manhattan, and I am hosting a small dinner the night before for her and a few of her close friends (5 of us). We're all closer to 40 than 30, and we haven't seen in each other in awhile, so I'd like a place that feels intimate and where we can have a nice conversation (no yelling across the table please). But I also don't want something too stuffy/fancy/old-fashioned (no snooty waters), as my friend is not overly formal herself and it is supposed to feel somewhat festive. And of course I would like the food to be good. We're looking for something on the UWS, between the 50s and 80s. Based on my research on these boards I have narrowed it down to: Bar Bao Ouest West Brench Dovetail Cesca Per Se (I know - much more expensive, but am at least considering it) Which one should I choose?? Very thankful for any advice. Fri Nov 06 13:32:44 -0800 2009 1122329 bookien 1 5161799 PS oops sorry I meant West Branch Fri Nov 06 13:33:52 -0800 2009 5161796 1122329 bookien 1 5161829 Of course if Per Se is on the table, everyone is wiling to spend and you have ample reservation time, go there! If not, I think Ouest is a great choice and they have comfy banquettes that would work for 5. Fri Nov 06 13:43:18 -0800 2009 5161796 12695 harrison 1 5162561 Aside from Per Se, which I have not been to, I think you could not go wrong with Dovetail. Another place worth considering is Compass. Fri Nov 06 19:32:44 -0800 2009 5161796 126803 rrems 1 5162618 Per Se is exceptional, but it is a very formal (jackets required) and specialized restaurant. It is far from "festive," and the dining room is usually very quiet and hushed. Your friends should be interested in long multicourse, 3 star Michelin type meals if you want to consider it. It just seems out of place on your list; I'm not seeing many similarities between restaurants offering $30 prix fixe menus and Per Se's $275 tasting menu only format. I would suggest also looking into Bar Boulud, Kefi and Telepan. Fri Nov 06 20:22:38 -0800 2009 5161796 204151 hcbk0702 1 5162670 Another place to consider that definitely fits the fun, festive and not snooty category is Calle Ocho on Columbus, near the Museum of Natural History. Food isn't in the Per Se category (what is) but it's solid and the portions are very gnerous. Fri Nov 06 21:05:08 -0800 2009 5161796 74069 Ann900 1 5163454 I second Ouest, Dovetail and Telepan, tho Dovetail and Telepan might feel a little too sedate. Compass is nice too - underrated in my book. You might also check out Landmarc in the Time Warner building. If you can get a round booth at Oeust, that is great for conversation. Someone recommended Kefi - I don't think that will be special enough. Calle Ocho is very noisy. Sat Nov 07 11:19:26 -0800 2009 5161796 39245 LisaZee 1 5203570 Thanks all, this was really helpful. We ended up going to Ouest and they did a great job. I requested a banquet, mentioning that it was a special occasion, and while they were very noncommittal on the phone, when we got there they had made a record of it and made an effort to get us one. Then once we were seated they sent us complementary champagne - really lovely touch. The food was very good - I had a beet salad and shellfish ragout, and the shellfish was excellent. I threw myself in the hand's of the waiter for the wine and he recommended a very nice Austrian wine (Gruener Veltliner). All in all a lovely evening. Mon Nov 23 15:51:50 -0800 2009 5161796 1122329 bookien