Birthday dinner suggestions

[lnedrive14]

Hey all -

Trying to pick a restaurant for my girlfriend's bday (will be just the two of us) which is on a Thursday in August and I am not liking any of my ideas. I want somewhere nice, but not super pricey, i.e. $50-60/person for just food (excluding tax, tip and wine) so like $200 total (maybe a bit more). She tends to really like mexican/pan-latin food (e.g. Rayuela, Hell's Kitchen) so I tried for la Esquina, which is the one place she hasn't been but couldn't get a reservation. I ended up getting a reservation at Casa Mono, which could be good I think, but wouldn't mind some other suggestions.

Love to hear any thoughts y'all have.

Thanks!

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

[rogs]

locanda verde is a good spot.let them you know you want one of the tables in the back of the front room. i had my bday with my bf here, it was great. it is loud but not overwhelming just a nyc restaurant.

los feliz is not fit the bill for a bday dinner... cute spot but not special.

i am going to zengo tomorrow so i'll report in. it is latian asian. menu looks yummy. i would also keep trying la esquina. i did like yerba buena but haven't been to the perry st location so can't comment on atmospher.

[princeofpork]

Check out the Tequila lounge when you are at Zengo. I heard its a very cool place to chill.

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Zengo
622 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10016

[Blumie]

Nuela, a pan-Latin on 24th just east of 6th, has recently opened. I haven't tried it or seen any reviews, but the room is stunning.

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Nuela
43 W 24th St, New York, NY 10010

[lnedrive14]

Thanks for all the replies. Aldea is a good suggestion, but I have been and wasn't overwhelmed enough that I am feeling the need to rush back. I should have said that I don't need a place with latin/spanish food. Any cuisine would work fine. Other ideas I had were the harrison, locanda verde, and recette, but I've been to the first two recently and not sure if recette has the vibe I was looking for.

And TOTALLY agree with those of you who recommended Degustation, but might break my budget a bit if we do the 10-course (which I think is the way to go).

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Aldea
31 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

[RGR]

Are you concerned that Recette will be too quiet? We had dinner there for the first time recently, and it was quite lively. Delicious food and excellent service.

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

P.S. The main reason I've avoided Locanda Verde is that I've heard the noise level is insanely high -- a huge turn-off for me.

[lnedrive14]

I wasn't so worried about the noise at Locanda, which you are correct, is intrusive. I personally just don't love the food enough to go more than twice a year (have already been twice in the last 2 months).

I didn't like Recette as much simply b/c she isn't quite the foodie I am, and I would prefer to take her somewhere she has heard of, and Recette I doubt fits that bill.

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

[rrems]

Has she heard of SD26? The food quality is way above Locanda Verde, and almost everything is available as a full or half portion, so you can try many dishes.

[kathryn]

Casa Mono is great but a bit cramped, loud, and energetic. Depends if that's what you're gig for. Food is great but a bit rich and heavy.

Aldea is more refined and comfortable, and quieter. You can also ask for the chef's counter. The space is pretty and much more sleek than Casa Mono's more rustic decor. The portion sizes are also generous for the price.

Degustation is a great deal but if your budget is only $60, you may leave feeling hungry. The five course tasting is $55 and some hounds don't think it's enough food. It's also a little on the cramped side.

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Aldea
31 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

[stephaniec25]

I am also thinking of heading to Degustation since I somehow haven't gotten there yet. Is the 10 course tasting menu enough food? Will the average diner leave satisfied?

[rrems]

Yes, the 10-course is just right. You will not feel overstuffed, but defininitely will not leave hungry.

[rrems]

Aldea

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Aldea
31 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

[princeofpork]

Los Feliz

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Los Feliz
109 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

[kiworan79]

I really like Casa Mono, but if you like Rayuela and Hell's Kitchen and were thinking about la Esquina, how about Yerba Buena?

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Casa Mono
52 Irving Place, New York, NY 10003

Rayuela
165 Allen Street, New York, NY 10002

Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

[lnedrive14]

Great idea re: yerba. I have actually been and thought the food was very good. unfortunately i had an experience there that the board will not allow me to describe and i won't go back. But you're on the right track, haha.

[fm1963]

How about Degustation? I haven't been there yet but based on the many positive reviews on this board, it's on my shortlist.