Complicated dinner for 9 on a Friday night

[jrabbit2727]

Need a recommendation for a dinner spot for 9 people of all different types.

Ages from 23 to 65. Some veggies (eat fish but no meat)...others very carniverous. Some real foodies....some with fat wallets....some with more modest tastes and budgets.

This is a birthday celebration - so we want it to be special, a little fancy and with amazing food for everyone.

We are all located midtown but could go anywhere...but preferably not too far.

Suggestions?

[missem500]

Orsay on Lex and 75th could handle your large group. It's a French brasserie. And I find it to be far better than Balthazar - which constantly disappoints me.

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Orsay
1057-59 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10021

[gutsofsteel]

What would you like it to cost per person, with tax, tip and beverages?

[jrabbit2727]

Good question. but rather than per person...let's just say that I don't want a place were the mains are over $35.

[gutsofsteel]

Tax is 8.75%, tip is 20%, beverages.....depends on what everybody drinks. 35 entree, 18 appetizer, drinks, tax, tip...dessert...coffee...not cheap. Maybe you should think about what you want the budget to be per person.

[jrabbit2727]

Ok - so let's say $80 per person.....as I said....it's a birthday dinner so even those with a tighter budget will be willing to splurge.

[jrabbit2727]

Here's what I'm considering so far...Balthazar, Scarpetta, Craft.

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Scarpetta
355 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10014

[gutsofsteel]

Balthazar at dinner is like eating in a subway station - so loud and crowded. And it's not worthy of a birthday dinner anyway.

The other two are very good. I'm partial to Craft.

Are you talking about $80 per person including tax, tip and beverages?

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Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012

Craft
43 E. 19th St., New York, NY 10003

[jrabbit2727]

Good to know re Balthazar.....thanks for that. I'm thinking $80 per person before tax and tip.

Any other suggetions? Maybe something more bistro-like? Balthazar without the noise?

[RGR]

You might want to consider dbBistro Moderne, one of 4-star Chef Daniel Boulud's restaurants. It's casual, but just upscale enough for a celebratory occasion. The menu's focus is contemporary French bistro cuisine. Main course prices fit your budget (just one dish on the current menu is north of $35). The food, of course, is excellent. Good service and pleasant atmospherics, i.e. lively but still conversation-friendly. I prefer the rear dining room to the front.

dbBistro photos:

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

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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