My cousin is getting married and to celebrate it, I'd like to treat the new couple to a dinner.
I'd like to spend about $50-$60 per person excluding wine and tips.
Location and cuisine don't really matter but the only problem is that the new groom loves his red meat which can be pretty tough given my budget. Any non steak place that has pretty good quality beef? Nice intimate atmosphere is a plus!
By Monica
on Nov 3, 2011 11:45 AM
Story
Supertaster Daily: 5 Grilled Hot Dogs in 3 Minutes for Memorial Day
Story
Oreo and Hershey's Dessert Icings
Story
10 Spicy Snacks
Recipe
Peach Frozen Yogurt
Recipe
Easy Philly Cheesesteaks
Recipe
Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
View »
Will this be a gift certificate for the two of them, or will the three of you be going out together?
And, btw, don't forget there's also the almost 9% tax.
http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com
Permalink | Reply
It will be for 4 of us...including me and my husband.
haha, yes, we shouldn't exclude the tax...so yes, excluding alcohol, tax and tip.
Permalink | Reply
$60pp for food only + a love of red meat = Takashi
Permalink | Reply
We haven't been to Takashi though it's on my "go to" list. Do you think it's nice enough for a celebratory meal? I saw a segment about it on t.v., but I don't remember how the interior looks. Also, if the others aren't as into red meat as the groom, it might not be such a good choice.
I'm still trying to think of a place that might work.
http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com
Permalink | Reply
I've seen a few birthday parties and what-not there, so while it's not all that intimate, it is relaxed and fun. The interior is more modern with cartoon-y drawings on the walls explaining what you're eating, how to cook it, and health benefits of eating offal.
The beef quality, though, is excellent.
Permalink | Reply
How about Babbo? Not sure if it has the atmosphere you want, but the second floor isn't too loud and you can easily stay under $60/pp for food since most of the secondi are priced below $30. The most expensive items are:
- Grilled Lamb Chops “Scottadita” with Broccoli Rabe Pesto, Grilled Onions and Lemon Yogurt $34
- Grilled Ribeye for Two with Roasted Potatoes, Garlic, Rosemary and Aceto Manodori $70
- Deconstructed Osso Buco for Two with Saffron Orzo, Cavolo Nero and Chestnut Gremolata $75
-----
Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011
Permalink | Reply
Babbo is a great idea..though I didn't enjoy my meal last time I was there but it was years ago so maybe I should give them another try.
Another place I am thinking is Aqua grill...My cousin loves seafood and it looks like they also have a steak on the menu. still salivating over their creme fraiche ice cream and mattaki oysters.
-----
Babbo
110 Waverly Pl, New York, NY 10011
Permalink | Reply
I love the oysters and raw bar at Aquagrill, but their cooked fish dishes are just OK.
-----
Aquagrill
210 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Permalink | Reply
But but..I was ready to try a new place...guess not.
Permalink | Reply
How about La Silhouette? I think you can stay within your budget if you book through Savored.
-----
La Silhouette
362 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
Permalink | Reply
Good suggestion (La Silhouette) although I'm not crazy about the decor. I'll throw this inot the mix: Dovetail
-----
Dovetail
103 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024
Permalink | Reply
I also agree that La Silhouette is an excellent suggestion. We have been there for dinner twice, most recently two days ago. The cuisine is superb, there's an excellent wine list, the hosts provide a warm welcome, and service is friendly and attentive.
I find the ambiance in the rear dining room very pleasant. Yes, the decor is rather plain, but the lighting is of Goldilocks quality (not too bright, not too dark, but just right), and the noise level is low even when tables are fully occupied -- a huge plus for me! The two very small front dining rooms are more intimate, which would probablly suit Monica better.
La Silhouette photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157627839242957/
and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157627920191459/
http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com
Permalink | Reply
Agree the noise control is great in the back room, I like the Goldilocks analogy and it's true too.
Don't want to hijack this thread but do you know if there will be an outside area? It seemed as if there was a door opening to outside at the rear of the rear dining room.
Permalink | Reply
Funny, I had the same thought about the possibility of an outdoor back garden. Meant to ask, but never got around to it.
http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com
Permalink | Reply
I'll try to find out and report back
Permalink | Reply
Is Balthazar really loud? I've always wanted to try this restaurant but never got around to it...is it too casual?
Also, Is union square cafe still good?
Permalink | Reply
Can't comment of Balthazar but regarding USC, yes, it is still good, actually there has been a bit of an uptick in their food.
Permalink | Reply
Balthazar is great but yes, it's loud.
Permalink | Reply
When Balthazar is packed, the noise level is extremely high. We have been there for a late lunch when it's been busy but not packed, and the noise level was very moderate. In any case, I don't view it as a place for a celebratory meal.
Union Square Cafe is more than just "still good." The food we've had there recently has been superb. If prices fit your budget, I think it would be an excellent choice.
USC photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157626286667925/
and here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157626776011615/
http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com
-----
Union Square Cafe
21 East 16th St., New York, NY 10003
Balthazar
80 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
Permalink | Reply
Yes -- it's a crowded brasserie-type feel. Lots of mirrors and hard surfaces.
Permalink | Reply