VISITOR FROM OZ

[ppmcg]

We're travelling to NY from Australia in a few weeks, staying in SOHO. We travel to NY annually, so we know the town reasonably well. I'm on the look out for some really special NY dining experiences, maybe something new that I'm unlikely to have heard of. Budget no issue. Would welcome any suggestions.

[picklesister]

Momofuko Ssam Bar (casual Korean by the city's hottest chef David Chang)
Sakagura (hidden sake bar with great Japanese small plates)
Blue Hill (insanely delicious all locally grown and raised food, though not an exciting buzzy vibe)
Casa Mono (great tapas bar courtesy of Mario Batali)
Blue Ribbon (THE place to go for oysters and Champagne, open til 4am, the later you go the cooler it is)

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Blue Hill
75 Washington Place, New York, NY 10011

Sakagura
211 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017

[kathryn]

Momofuku Ssam Bar is on 2nd and 13th, not to be confused with the other "Momofuku" restaurants in town: Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku Milk Bar, Momofuku Ko, Ma Peche.

Note that there are a bunch of "Blue Ribbon" restaurants in Manhattan (and Brooklyn). i assume picklesister is talking about Blue Ribbon Brasserie on Sullivan Street.

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Blue Ribbon Brasserie
97 Sullivan St, New York, NY 10012

[Chinon00]

Peter Luger

[goodhealthgourmet]

can you list some of the places you've been to, and which ones you enjoyed the most? it might help cut down on duplications, and give everyone an idea of what would be most useful and appealing to you.

[ppmcg]

we've been to Pastis- enjoyed the experience more than the food
NOBU- liked it
Craft- loved it
River Cafe- really enjoyed the experience
Brasserie- didn't rate it
Garage in Greenwich- very cool
Gallaghers Steak- average
Jean Georges
Daniel- loved it.

Not sure if this helps. We'll do one fine dining experience I think, but more interested in some places with good atmosphere.

Not sure if the above

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

[orthorunner]

While you may have heard of it, WD-50 reportedly has increased the quality/creativity of their menu options recently, so it could be a great spot to try. Also, Degustation's tasting menu (chef's table-style) could make for an interesting experience for you. If you can get seats at Ko, it is one of the hottest places on foodies' lists right now. It also looks like you haven't hit EMP yet, which is another favorite.

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WD-50
50 Clinton Street, New York, NY 10002

[kathryn]

Second all of these. Note that Degustation is really all counter seating wrapping around an open kitchen.

[bronwen]

If you like the experience of the River Cafe you'll love the Boathouse in Central Park. Heavy on atmosphere places are Keen's, 21 Club, Balthazar, For fis, go to Le Bernadin!

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21 Club
21 West 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

[gutsofsteel]

HIghly recommend that your fine dining experience be at Eleven Madison Park, which also happens to have a delightful atmosphere, wonderful service, and one of the more gorgeous rooms in NYC. Casually elegant.

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