Elopement Lunch Recs, Weekday in October

[goumandette]

One Wednesday in October, we're gettin' hitched at City Hall in the morning, then catching a 9pm flight to Madrid. Between our City Hall experience and the airport, we'd like to have a nice leisurely lunch in an intimate setting.

A friend recently did something similar at Daniel, but Daniel is a little stuffy for us. Here are the criteria for our post-city hall lunch:

- preference for French/Italian/Austrian/continental
- tasting menu option for lunch preferred, wine pairing option would be an added delight
- below 59th Street, with strong preference for downtown
- upscale but not uptight
- cost not an issue

And lastly: I'm just shy of 6ft. tall and will be wearing a fitted, long dress. I'd prefer not to have to scoot into a booth, or sit at a table without ample room for me to adjust both legs and skirt. The bf is also tall, and likes his leg/elbow room, but not at the expense of canoodling ;-)

Thanks!

[ellenost]

Strong recommendation for EMP. Food is delicious, service is fantastic and tables for 2 are among the most generous sized table I've seen. It's a lovely space. I think you will be very happy with EMP to celebrate your special day.

[goumandette]

Thanks everyone, I think it will be EMP. Heard only good things. Will report back!

[goumandette]

Hello everyone, just wanted to report back that EMP was amazing. They gave us a tour of the kitchen, where we were made kir royale mise-en-bouches....and that was the just the beginning. A truly marvelous experience. Thanks!

[Jane A.]

Congratulations on your wedding and thanks for reporting back.

[Phil Ogelos]

"Elopement Lunch Recs ..." !
Even given the dilution in social meaning of 'elopement' as scandalous, and much as I'm left cold by Cindy Adams, I have to say this thread must must be included among the 'Only in New York, friends' potpourrie.

[gutsofsteel]

Ah, Phil, you never cease to entertain me.

[gutsofsteel]

Definitely Eleven Madison Park. It's quite European influenced - the chef is Swiss and extremely talented. The room is beautiful and comfortable and service is a delight. The atmopshere is festive - casual elegance defined. And the food is excellent. At lunch it is particularly lovely, with the light streaming in the huge windows across the street from the park.

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Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010

[bronwen]

I'd go to Scalini Fedeli, great Italian and elegant for after a wedding.

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Scalini Fedeli
165 Duane Street, New York, NY 10013

[Littleman]

I'm going to wait on RGR and Kathryn but Eleven Madison Park would be my suggestion. It's not French Italian Austrian but it's American. There's ample room and great atmosphere. I will let RGR fill in the blanks but it's a gorgeous place. Good luck and best wishes.

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Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010