Pre - Theatre Dining - The Book of Mormon - Suggestions?

[cweiler]

My mom and sisters are having a girls night and going to the Book of Mormon in November. Where should we eat Pre-Theatre? Looking for atmosphere and moderately priced dining, but above all, great food. Suggestions please!

[foodmonk]

Amarone on 9th Ave. is a better than average, moderately priced Italian place in the neighborhood. It has an attractive interior and a pretty good staff. You can have a big meal and feel comfortable and a bit classy there without spending a fortune. If you really got the bucks, splurge for something like Oceana as recommended above.

-----
Amarone
686 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Oceana
120 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020

[sgordon]

All good suggestions above, I especially recommend Toloache of them. Great upscale Mexican, a lot of light and fresh choices. It's a long show, you might not want a really heavy meal beforehand that could tire you out.

Other options coming to mind:

DB Bistro Moderne ($45 pre-theater prix fixe)

Esca - you couldn't do a full Italian four-course meal (nor would you have time to before the show if it's a weeknight) but you could certainly do some crudo or antipasti, then a pasta or secondi, and come in under budget.

Aquavit (Lounge / Bistro room) - not as fancified as their main dining room, but upscale / refined Scandinavian fare, particularly good on seafood - very solid. Slightly longer walk, though not undoable - but I'd only do it if it's a Friday show with an 8:00 curtain.

In general, I'd look for places that start dinner service at 5:00, rather than the usual 5:30. 7:00 is a fairly early curtain and doesn't give you much time to leisurely enjoy a meal without rushing.

-----
Aquavit
65 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022

Toloache
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

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

Esca
402 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036

[Olive123]

We had a great pre-Book of Mormon dinner at Toloache. It is basically around the corner. Really fantastic upscale Mexican, with a tasty and varied drinks menu. Note that it gets VERY busy here. In case it is relevant for you, they have a separate vegetarian menu.

-----
Toloache
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

[beetlebug]

When I was in town this past May, we ate at Yakitori Totto, pre-BOM. It was an easy walk from dinner to theatre.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7858...

-----
Yakitori Totto
251 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

[Cheeryvisage]

Oooh, if you do end up going to Yakitori Totto, absolutely get their Ice Banana for dessert. I can eat that all day everyday. Picture: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cheeryvi...

-----
Yakitori Totto
251 W 55th St, New York, NY 10019

[kathryn]

What is your price range per person before tax, tip, and drinks? It's best to give a cost for food only.

I just saw the show and would recommend arriving from the 8th Ave side of the block, because the theatre has no real lobby, so you end up waiting outside until showtime.

[cweiler]

We were thinking $40-60 per person before tax, tip and drinks.

Thank you for the tip re: the theatre! Very helpful!

[RGR]

It would also be helpful to know their cuisine preferences. Bu that said,

Oceana, our favorite fish/seafood restaurant, is on 49th St., off the corner of 6th. (The theater is further west on 49th.) The food's delicious, service is friendly and attentive, and the large space has very attractive decor. Though the a la carte menu may be too pricey for the stated budget, there is a pre-theater 3-course prix-fixe for $49.

Oceana photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157626780418121/

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

-----
Oceana
120 W 49th St, New York, NY 10020