Birthday Dinner with Parents, Help!

[mobrien87]

Hi All!

My parents are coming to visit me in the city for my birthday next week, and I am in desperate need of help in picking a restaurant! I love, basically, everything (especially ethnic food), but in this case, my tastes can take a back seat. My parents aren't picky eaters, but for a variety of reasons pork and seafood won't be the focal point of their culinary experience. I live on the UES, but I don't mind traveling around to find a place that will be great to celebrate! I'm looking for somewhere that isn't too expensive (less than $40/entree) and that perhaps has a nice wine menu (but this isn't as important as good food). Those are really the only parameters, I'm really open to any suggestions.

Thank you all so much for your help!

[RGR]

Cafe Boulud is one of our favorites. It's 4-star Chef Daniel Boulud's second-tier restaurant, but in every way that counts, it's first-rate. Chef Gavin Kaysen is cooking some of the most delicious food in the city right now, and our dinner there last week was sensational! There will be lots for your parents (and you) to choose from since there are four a la carte menus + a menu of daily market special. Most of the mains are in the $30's. Their wine list is excellent, service is cordial and polished, and the decor is lovely. The perfect place, imo, to celebrate a special occasion.

Cafe Boulud photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157626251539228/

If you do want to go with ethnic, I think Tulsi would be an excellent choice for a birthday celebration. Upscale but with mains in your price range. Chef/owner Hemant Mathur's Indian cuisine is superb (his signature tandoor-grilled lamb chops are not to be missed!), there's a good wine list, service is pleasant and professional, and the space is beautiful.

Tulsi photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157625768378231/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[mobrien87]

I made reservations with friends for dinner at Tulsi on Monday, it sounds fantastic! As far as dinner with the parents, I've done some research and have looked through tons and tons of posts. It seems like Marseille, Artisanal Bistro, or DB Bistro Moderne would be more fitting (though Cafe Boulud sounds great for another evening!) Do you prefer any of those restaurants over the others? Or perhaps somewhere like it?

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Cafe Boulud
20 East 76th St., New York, NY 10021

DB Bistro Moderne
55 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036

Tulsi
211 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

[RGR]

I'm not a fan of Artisanal. I've always liked Marseille, but dbBistro would definitely be my preference, especially for a celebration dinner. The food is excellent, and service is prompt. I prefer the back room to the front.

dbBistro phots here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157623056360330/

and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157616160487869/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[mobrien87]

It all looks so delicious! dbBistro it is. Thanks so much for your help!! I'll post what we get on Sunday after dinner (and Monday after Tulsi!)

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Tulsi
211 E 46th St, New York, NY 10017

[RGR]

You're very welcome! I hope you enjoy both and look forward to reading your reports.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com