PhD Graduation Dinner
Hello all:
I am FINALLY graduating with my PhD in May. Both my and my husband's family is coming for the event and I am looking for a nice place to hold dinner that night. Our families really love to eat and are open to just about anything. Private dining room isn't necessary, but somewhere where we won't be shushed would be nice, and it's a good sized party of 10. I already have dinner reservations at Craft, but have eaten there before and am interested in trying something new. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Some guidelines:
- Party of 10 adults (minimum. if more is needed for a private party, that can easily be done)
- Around $100 pp for food
- Up for anything except sushi or Italian. (Sushi bc the mother-in-law won't eat it, Italian bc my dad's dear friend owns an Italian restaurant and would be greatly offended)
- Anywhere in Manhattan, although we're staying in SoHo.
Also, just another idea, but has anyone done the private dining at WD-50? Is that a good idea?
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WD-50
50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002
By VaTechLuv
on Mar 26, 2010 06:21 PM
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Oh and I did a search for previous Graduation posts, but the responses weren't quite what I was looking for. So I'm hoping this provides some other ideas. Thanks!
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I think I'd choose Blue Hill (the one in the Village). Food is fabulous, Ambiance is laid back, service is top drawer. You might even be able to get the porch for your dinner.
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Blue Hill
75 Washington Place, New York, NY 10011
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I will definitely look into that. The porch looks amazing! THanks!
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I agree with ChefJune about the Blue Hill rec. Im having my wedding reception there and they have been nothing but wonderful to work with. Granted, it's a private event, but the servers are always so accommodating and knowledgable when we have eaten there. Im sure if you let them know about your special event and any allergies, etc in advance, they will be very accommodating.
I am personally not a fan of WD-50 (though many others disagree!). We had the tasting menu and found it "interesting" but not close to delicious (we wanted to love it, but couldn't convince ourselves). Unless your dinner companions are all super adventurous and are into the molecular gastronomy, this could be a risky choice.
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WD-50
50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002
Blue Hill
75 Washington Place, New York, NY 10011
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We did a similar dinner (although for only 5) after my law school graduation at Gramercy Tavern. The food was excellent and the staff could not have been more gracious. My parents still talk about how much they enjoyed that meal. I have no idea how they handle the larger numbers, though. Union Sq. Cafe strikes me as having a variety of seating options and are generally super accommodating, but their food wasn't quite up to par the last two times I was there.
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Gramercy Tavern
42 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003
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in keeping with the event, you might consider Terrace in the Sky (www.terraceinthesky.com) on the roof of Butler Hall at Columbia University. Good food and wine (prix fix can be as low as $64) and the view is simply spectacular, esp if the weather cooperates and you can sit outside!!
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Terrace in the Sky
400 West 119th Street, New York, NY 10027
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