Best Birthday Restaurant for a food writer boyfriend
Hi everyone. I'm looking for the perfect restaurant to take my boyfriend to a birthday dinner for just the two of this in June. He is a food writer and an adventurous eater. His three favorite restaurants are Sassabune, Sushi Yasuda and Momofuku Saam Bar, but I was hoping to take him somewhere new. Any cuisine is up for grabs. The only thing that he can't eat is oysters. I'd love to take him somewhere celebratory and exciting, and I'm open to all suggestions. Any help is much appreciated!
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Sushi Yasuda
204 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017
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I second Graffiti but it might not be special occasion-y enough. Just had a fantastic meal at Maialino. It's not too pricey - even the markup on the wine isn't bad - and every dish we had was fabulous.
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Maialino
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010›4 Replies-
re: clembeauchamp
I can't thank all of you enough for all of this valuable guidance. I learned a lot -- and now I'm ready with great ideas for any big celebrations.
The boyfriend has spoken and his picks are Jean Georges, Locanda Verde, Annisa, Corton, Toqueville and 15 East so I'll be going with one of those 6. If you guys have had enjoyable/ NOT enjoyable experiences at any of the above, I'd love to hear about them. I sincerely apologize for the change in direction. Thank you so much repliers!
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15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023Corton
239 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013-
re: ahoffman1202
At dinner, Jean Georges is impossible for sub 60 a head, as is Corton. In my opinion, Jean Georges is somewhat overrated--my meal was enjoyable, but only the Foie Gras Brulée and Johnny Iuzzini's desserts really wowed me.
Was just at 15 East, it was superb. It's possible to do a $55 omakase, but that'll net you only 10 pieces. The slow poached octopus is not to be missed. I do think, however, that the uni is substantially better at Yasuda, but that may be due to the current season.
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15 East
15 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023Corton
239 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013 -
re: ahoffman1202
If you end up at Locanda Verde it will be easy to stay on budget and get a great meal. The roast chicken is beautifully executed, and the pastas are perfect sharing and spot-on dishes. They also have phenomenal desserts.
http://underemployedinnyc.blogspot.com/
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Locanda Verde
377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013 -
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It's far from fancy, but Graffitti in the East Village is the most interesting meal I have had in years. It's a tiny place and they pack you in like sardines, but it somehow adds to the atmosphere - and the service is beyond friendly. For a food writer, it would be especially interesting, unlike any other place in the city, it's not very expensive and it's fun. You must try the truffled strawberries with black pepper ice cream.
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Had a very good meal at ABC Restaurant this past weekend, Jean-Georges Vongrichten's new place at ABC Carpet & Home. Don't know if you're looking for something a little dressier than that, but the place had a good feel to it, service was very efficient and friendly, and I was very happy with everything I ordered.
›1 Reply -
Thanks so much for offering to help! He's been to a lot probably like you. He's been to Degustation, Momofuku Ko, Brooklyn Fare, WD-50, Falai, Del Posto. My budget is limited, and I suppose it would be nice if we could get away with $60 per person or under, but I don't know how possible that is with his tastes so any ideas will help. For my birthday we went to Aldea, and he really liked that. Thanks again.
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WD-50
50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002Del Posto
85 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011Falai
68 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002Momofuku Ko
163 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003Aldea
31 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011›3 Replies -
Sounds like two of his favorites are sushi restaurants, and the other is Southern/Korean/Japanese fusion. Can you maybe give some other places that he's already been to (because you want some place new)? What is your price range per person (inclusive of tax, tip, wine/drinks), since you're the one treating?
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Momofuku Ssam Bar
207 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003Sushi Yasuda
204 E 43rd St, New York, NY 10017Sasabune
401 E 73rd St, New York, NY 10021›1 Reply-
re: kathryn
For an adventure in offal and the bounty of nose-to-tail cooking Chef April Bloomfield is cooking some great food at The Breslin Bar and Dining Room. It's a nice masculine vibe too with a great beer list, and a sommelier on the floor. You can then migrate to the beautiful lobby of the Ace Hotel and get cozy on one of the couches while sipping fancy cocktails. For a wine adventure, I reccomend Chef Marco Canora's Hearth, though it will be tricky to stay under budget with so many beautiful glasses and bottles to choose from. For a more casual adventure in focused dining, Soccarat Paella Bar is serving perfect paella and tapas with a modest budget that leaves room for a bottle of cava or rioja. Be careful though- neither the Breslin nor Soccarat take reservations.
www.underemployedinnyc.blogspot.com
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The Breslin
20 W 29th St, New York, NY 10001
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