Chow Birthday

[flower_puppy]

Howdy Hounds,

My loving parents would like to take me and the rest of the family out for a belated birthday dinner. My choice. And as much as I love helping other people find restaurants I am drawing a blank.

I'm coming from Brooklyn, the folks are from Queens and my cousin is coming down from Washington Heights so I thought Manhattan would be a good pick.

I've been out of NYC for a while, so I am not up on what's available - and I thought this would be a good chance to try a new and exciting place. I like unusual flavors, asian influences, and spice. I don't (often) eat meat, but love fish and seafood. In the past I've loved the Jean George establishments, and Nougatine was fantastic, and Spice Market was fun, but I think I might like something cozier and less formal for my birthday. Sripraphai is a family favorite but, and I've been loving the Bao at BaoHaus. I love Momofuku -it's just the right level of fancy, but I hate trying to get a table there.

Any suggestions of a place fun, adventurous and delicious?

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Jean Georges
1 Central Park W, New York, NY 10023

Spice Market
403 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014

Nougatine
1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

[daffyduck]

i've never been there but i've heard great things about annisa.

[rrems]

For really great fish and seafood, I would recommend Oceana. It's big and bustling, so not exactly cozy, but not too formal and not too loud. To me it is a great place for a celebratory dinner. Tabla could be another possibility. Beautiful atmosphere (be sure to sit upstairs) and a mix of Indian-inspired and new American dishes. Allegretti is cozier and has a lot of fish selections on its Provencal-style menu. Very delicious. Recette has become a favorite of mine, with a nice cozy atmosphere and excellent and interesting small plates. Chow Bar has a similar cooking style to Spice Market, but with better food, quieter and cheaper.

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Spice Market
403 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014

Oceana
120 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020

Allegretti
46 West 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010

Recette
328 West 12th Street, New York, NY 10014

[flower_puppy]

Ooh, I've been meaning to try Tabla and Chow Bar sounds like it might be just the ticket! Just out of curiosity, what do you think of Pear Oyster Bar and Mary's Fish Camp?

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Mary's Fish Camp
64 Charles St, New York, NY 10014

[flower_puppy]

Rrems, your fantastic suggestions have jumpstarted my brain!
Or on the Tabla theme, a friend once suggested Devi - any thoughts?

[RGR]

Jumping in to say that while I have always liked Devi, I would avoid it at this time because Chef Hemant Mathur split with longtime partner Suvir Saran and has left to open his own restaurant. Thus, I would be concerned about the food's quality.

rrems Tabla suggestion is a good one. The last time we were there, it was with a group of eight, and everyone was very pleased. Definitely ask to be seated upstairs.

Tabla photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622905725130/

I also agree with her Oceana suggestion. Excellent all around. They have quite a few round tables that can seat parties of six or more.

Oceana photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157624127309526/

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

[rrems]

RGR,

You mean HIS Oceana suggestion. :)