SHO, Little Owl or Aldea for birthday dinner?

[poutinelover]

Hi, I know these are three very different restaurants in terms of cuisine. I'm trying to decide which one to choose to celebrate my bf's birthday (X'mas eve) based on the food quality first and then atmosphere. Wondering if any fellow chowhounders have eaten at all three and can provide some feedback. If not, I'd welcome any feedback on any of them. And what were your favorite dishes? Thanks so much!

[Dr. Greer]

I have nothing new to add to the discussion - I just want to second the choices of squab and quail at SHO; two of the best dishes of the year without question.

[edwardspk]

Ate at SHO again last night and had another fantastic experience. I love Little Owl, too, but really, these two are not in the same category at all - even if we're only talking about the food. It's sort of like comparing Jean-Georges to Otto. Both good in their category, but would you think of Otto as a special occassion restaurant? I wouldn't, and Little Owl falls in the same category. Have not been to Aldea, so can't compare it. But also of consideration is that a meal for 2 at SHO will be in the $300+ range, whereas Little Owl will be FAR less expensive.

[kenito799]

Aldea will be less...$200 at most I think, depending on wine

[gutsofsteel]

Frankly, I wouldn't pick any of those three for a celebration. But I wanted to say specifically that I especially wouldn't pick SHO. I was there twice in the last couple of weeks and it is a real letdown. The food flavors are disappointingly muted, nothing was served at the correct temperatures, service was awkward, amateurish, and inexperienced. And the wine list is absurdly overpriced. It's too bad, because the space is beautiful. I tried twice - I won't be back.

[rrems]

The wine list is mostly expensive, but as I posted on another thread I found a perfectly wonderful wine for $50, a 2005 Ribeira del Duero, and based on the retail price I think it was less than the usual restaurant mark-up. As to your disappointment with the food, I can only say that my partner and I are fans of strong and unusual flavors, and we were wowed by the dishes we had. The taste, presentation, and combinations were perfect, and the temperature was correct.

[RGR]

I agree, rrems, that Chef Hergatt's cuisine contains many unusual flavor combinations, all of which we found to be delicious. And, as my photos can attest (see my post above), presentations are very appealing. As for service, we found it to be both cordial and professional.

[RGR]

We haven't been to Little Owl. I like Aldea. But for a special occasion, my pick would definitely be SHO.

If you go to Aldea, the Arroz de Pato is not to be missed. The foie gras and the diver scallops are also excellent.

At SHO, I highly recommend the quail and the squab.

Photos of our dinner at SHO here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622498126890/

Photos of our dinners at Aldea here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622262425271/

and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391...

[erica]

Please add the goat main course to the essentials at Aldea!!! The shrimp with Pimenton is also very, very good. I took my partner here for a birthday dinner and he was quite happy.

[foodie4life]

RGR is spot-on! I I haven't been to Little Owl but have been to Aldea and SHO. SHO is definitely the best for a really special occasion. The quail appetizer is one of the most intriguing and delicious apps I've ever had. The service is wonderful too. I can't recommend SHO itself highly enough, though there won't be much to do in the neighborhood after.i I haven't gotten to post my review of it, but it was a truly memorable meal. Aldea is delicious, especially the duck rice, but SHO is leagues above.

http://www.StrumErika.com

[RGR]

The goat main course is no longer on Aldea's menu. It was delicious!

http://www.aldearestaurant.com

[erica]

Oh, no! Perhaps it is a seasonal item. The woman at the Patches of Star Dairy (greenmarket) told me that baby goat is available mostly in spring/summer...

I hope that they bring it back after the winter! Can I sign a petition??

Also, the cuttlefish dish is interesting and delicious.

[kenito799]

I will sign on to the bring back the goat movement..one of my favorite entrees EVER. Hopefully it will return in the spring.

and don't forget the uni flatbread! yumm

[kathryn]

Do you already have reservations at The Little Owl for Christmas Eve? They book up REALLY fast since they reserve some tables for walk-ins only. Since it's December 11th already, you may be out of luck.

I've eaten at Little Owl and Aldea but not SHO. Aldea is more celebratory and feels more like an event. Little Owl is more homey, like a good neighborhood restaurant. I go there when friends are in town or we just happen to be walking by. It's not a special occasion place, IMO.

I'm guessing that SHO and Aldea would be FAR easier to reserve than Little Owl. Judging from the photos I've seen of SHO, it also feels more like a special occasion restaurant.