Suggestions for dinner pre-opera

[ADMoul]

Long-awaited trip to hear Madame Butterfly on Tues. PM. Suggestions for a nice dinner in Lincoln Center area? don't mind paying for good food if it's worth it. Looked at "Telepan" on-line. any other thoughts or suggestions?

[RGR]

Do mean tomorrow, 12/27? What time does the performance start? What are your cuisine preferences? How many are in your party? What's the most you are willing to spend per person for food only?

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[ADMoul]

Yes, 12/27, 2 people, we like to dine at interesting places when we come to NY and are willing to spend $40-50 per person. Opera is at 7:30. Not really into Asian, Indian cuisine but open to just anything else.

[huiray]

The 7.30 pm performance tomorrow Tuesday Dec 27, 2011, I presume?

Bar Boulud (French) across Dante park (the patch of "green" in front of the Met) does not, unfortunately, have reservations available around 5.30 pm for tomorrow according to Open Table. You might like to try calling anyway.

I've liked Cafe Luxembourg (quasi-French/bistro food) in the past (a bit pricey but I liked the atmosphere). On 70th just west of Broadway, 0.3 mile walk. http://www.cafeluxembourg.com/ Currently Open Table shows reservations for two available around 5.30 pm for tomorrow. I used to like going for *after-Opera* meals/bites and a bit of people-watching as well.

Haven't been there in a while too but Bricco (Italian) was enjoyed by me. On 56th just west of 8th Ave. A slightly longer (0.6 mile) walk to/from Lincoln Center. Open Table shows lots of reservations for two available around 5.30 pm tomorrow.

What about the new restaurant - Apeggio - in Avery Fisher Hall? There have been mixed reviews about it but it's another option. http://www.arpeggiofoodandwine.com/home/default.asp . The Grand Tier restaurant within the Met is another option, although it may not be the best place food-wise or price-wise. http://www.patinagroup.com/restaurant... There appear to be reservations available for both for around 5.30 pm for tomorrow.

I'm sure others will have more up-to-date opinions on the above and other suggestions.

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Cafe Luxembourg
200 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

Bar Boulud
1900 Broadway, New York, NY 10023

Bricco
304 W 56th St, New York, NY 10019

The Grand Tier
30 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023

Arpeggio
Columbus Ave at W 65th St, New York, NY 10023

[boredough]

You might enjoy Loi, a new Greek restaurant right next to Café Luxembourg on 70th (in the old Compass space). I've only been there once, but the food was very good and I would certainly go back.

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Loi
208 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[RGR]

boredough, I've been wonderfing about Loi. Could you tell us more about what you ate?

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com

[boredough]

My husband & I shared Ahini ( sea urchins w/criispy pita chips) and Glikadakia (crispy sweetbreads) to start. Both were very good, but we really enjoyed the sea urchin. Then we both ordered Moussaka (I know it's trite, but....) and thought that was very good as well. Nicely prepared & seasoned. (By comparison, Kefi's, for instance, is heavy on the salt.) Friends had the grilled rack of lamb&loin (which I recall they really enjoyed...it looked great) and braised rooster (I can't remember the verdict on that...nor what they started with...sorry)

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Kefi
505 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024

Loi
208 W 70th St, New York, NY 10023

[RGR]

Thanks for those detail, boredough.

http://thewizardofroz.wordpress.com.

[Simon]

thanks for bringing this place to my attention: i like the look of the menu...while i'm not in that area often, i am friends w/ a couple who live nearby and it might be a good place for me to meet them sometime, as they like Greek food...

[boredough]

RGR & Simon: be sure to report back if you go. I'd like Loi to survive, as it's a nice addition to our neighborhood (as compared to its predecessor Compass).

[pups224]

Lincoln.

[dyrewolf]

There is always Picholine, Telepan as you mentioned, Dovetail (a bit farther but not far), Atlantic Grill (right there) Ocean Grill (79th St)

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Telepan
72 W. 69th Street, New York, NY 10023

Picholine
35 West 64th St., New York, NY 10023

Ocean Grill
384 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10024

Dovetail
103 West 77th Street, New York, NY 10024

Atlantic Grill
49 W 64th St, New York, NY 10023

[halo]

i second picholine. upon losing his 2nd michelin star tb has really stepped it up in the kitchen. the kitchen is putting out some really impressive food. the service is still lacking but the wine people have it right!

[huiray]

That's interesting, thanks for that tid-bit.

Just wondering, it might be beyond what the OP might want to spend, though, even if he/she stretched their declared willingness to spend $40-50/pp...
Their 3-course pre-theatre prix-fixe is $78 -- plus tax (8.875%) & tip (20% on food), no alcohol, would be just over $100/pp. Perhaps if they chose 1 or 2 courses only or split an entree (if allowed) they could do it for $40-50/pp, though?

[panjuice]

Try Lincoln if time allows ... Chef is trained from PerSe

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Lincoln
142 W 65th St, New York, NY 10023

[mahler5]

Unless something has changed since summer, Lincoln is even more expensive than Picholine.

[panjuice]

True ...
I'd rather not get into a pricing war cos it doesn't work period ..
Realistically priced menu is best for longevity in a business that has a higher rate of failure.
Not pricing on it's intrinsic values is best .. JMO

The bottom line is same/similar for everyone because all the stock in the pantry is coming from the same purveyors.

I think as long as we are not eating every meal at the same place, there is room for discovery and exploration and also wallet friendly.

[panjuice]

Can also take a look Rouge Tomate .. 10 East 60th St NYC 10022
All around well thought out menu and execution .. Friendly and professional service.

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Rouge Tomate
10 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022