dinner? 1st visit to nyc

[maryanndi]

Hi all! Our daughter's friend from Maine will be paying an unexpected visit this weekend and has never been to ny. We got tickets to see Phantom (if you have never been to broadway, we thought that this was the one to see) for Sat, matinee, and now need a place to eat after the show. They are both 20 years old and love food. Between the four of us,we should eliminate seafood and asian. Was looking for a "real ny experience" kind of place in the theatre district. Probably in the moderate price range. Thanks

[princeofpork]

Who can predict the whims of 2 20 year old girls.

[bronwen]

As it seems to be a simple NY evening and you're with 20 year olds I'd go to Carmine's. You mentioned experience over food so this would fit the bill and it's not expensive.

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Carmine's
200 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036

[maryanndi]

So where did we eat that night? Well we walked around the theater district and to my surprise, Don't Tell Mama caught their attention. It is a cute small place. Food was good for the price. Service could be improved. Thanks to all.

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Don't Tell Mama
343 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036

[jplatow]

I am not a fan of nougatine... i got really excited by the descriptions on the menu and found the food mediocre. The best part of the experience was the great service! I'd say this is an example where splurging and going next door to JG is worth it.

[maxine]

Jean Georges Nougatine room. You get the great JG food for $65 prefix. It is in Trump Towers on Central Park. Very NY

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

Nougatine
1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

[RGR]

The time stamps show that our posts overlapped. While Nougatine's food is excellent, I think the food in Jean Georgew is superior. But if they want the view and less formal ambiance (no jacket needed), then Nougatine is, of course, the better option.

Nougatine photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622090066758/

ETA: Nougatine has both an a la carte menu and the 5-course tasting @$68

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

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

Nougatine
1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

[maxine]

Great minds ... I am flattered that we had a similar idea. (BTW I did not suggest JG because the poster asked for "moderate".

[RGR]

If you look upthread at her post @9:51 a.m., she said "less than $100/person w/o drinks." J.G.'s 3-course $98 prix-fixe comes in just under. But, yes, Nougatine is certainly more moderate.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[maryanndi]

Thank you all for your suggestions! I would have chosen Nougatine, but it looks like we shall be going to Churrascaria Plataforma.

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Churrascaria Plataforma
316 West 49th Street, New York, NY 10019

Nougatine
1 Central Park West, New York, NY 10023

[nmprisons]

um, is it too late to change your mind?

[Spiritchaser]

I know the important thing is having a good time and I don't want to sound snarky but, really? Plataforma? For a NY experience?

[thegforceny]

Nothing about Phantom of the Opera and Churrascaria equals a "NY Experience" but tourists seem to like them both.

The suggestions given on this board far exceed CP for quality of food and providing a "NY experience" if that is what you truly want.

[nmprisons]

what does moderate mean? i.e., what is your food (pre tip pre tax pre drinks) budget?

[maryanndi]

would like to keep it less than $100/person w/o drinks

[nmprisons]

I would do the 4-course $98 meal at The Modern. You will presumably already be dressed for it and overlooking the MOMA sculpture garden is as "ny experience" as you can get.

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The Modern
9 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019

[Spiritchaser]

Agreed. That would be a really good choice, we love The Modern. I think it fits the NY experience if the OP is looking for the sophisticated side of NY (as opposed to say the hustle bustle NY experience).

[RGR]

A great suggestion. BUT good luck getting a dinner reservation there for tomorrow. OpenTable is showing no availability. However, it can't hurt to call because restaurants don't give all their reservations to OT. Also, The Modern has a wait list, and there can be cancelations.

The Modern Dining Room photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157626566397307/

Checking OpenTable, I was suprised to see that Jean Georges has a table for 4 available at 5:15 and 5:45. I'd grab one of them asap. The 3-course prix-fixe is $98. The formal dining room does not have the view of Columbus Circle and Central Park that the less formal Nougatine has. But J.G. is one of the best restaurants in the city. Jackets are required at dinner.

Jean Georges photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157623804646010/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com