Bernardin, Tocqueville or EMP for GF's b'day?

[howdini]

My lovely SO's birthday is in April, and I'm already thinking about where to take her. Neither of us have been to any of the above three, and I know I can't go wrong with any of them, but what do you all think?

GF has a couple of dietary restrictions (both self-imposed and medical): no pork, lobster, foie gras. She LOVES duck, so I'm thinking maybe EMP, for their famous off-menu roast duck?

All three are jacket-and-tie, as well, yes?

Thanks!

[sgordon]

Le B is the only one with a jacket requirement, as was pointed out above.

But that aside, Duck = EMP. It's a no-brainer.

[PorkyBelly]

At EMP is it possible to get the duck and the tasting menu at dinner?

[sgordon]

If you let them know in advance, pretty much anything is possible at EMP.

[howdini]

Even rashpicox (rabbit stuffed in a sheep stuffed in a pig stuffed in a cow stuffed in an ox)?!?!

[nmprisons]

Make sure to give them at least 36 hours on that one, and you might have to dine in the park.

[sgordon]

The GF is taking me there for my birthday on the 15th, and I'm totally ordering it. I figure two weeks must be enough advance notice.

[howdini]

It's a bit early in the season for ox, but by all means, go for it!

[lexismore]

Another vote for EMP above Le Bernardin and Tocqueville.

Also, Le Bernardin is jackets (no tie) required.

The other two are nice, and you wouldn't feel out of place in a jacket, but they're not as strict.

[Sneakeater]

Le Bernardin and EMP are several cuts above Tocqueville.

Given your SO's restrictions (and duck preference), EMP is probably a better choice (even if I personally prefer LeB -- AFAIK, I'm not your SO).

None of them requires a tie.

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Eleven Madison Park
11 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10010

Tocqueville
1 East 15th Street, New York, NY 10003

Le Bernardin
155 W. 51st St., New York, NY 10019

[howdini]

The fact that you can advise me on this matter proves that you are not my SO! I think...

Would you happen to know if the duck at EMP is available at lunch?

[Sneakeater]

Not me -- sorry.

SOMEONE will know.

[howdini]

Someone always does!

[nmprisons]

So, technically it isn't (or at least isn't always, or at least wasn't as of maybe 18 months ago). But, if you request it when making your reservation it is unlikely to be a problem.

[howdini]

Thanks, nmp!

[nmprisons]

Ah. I am WRONG. The duck IS now available with lunch. My info is outdated. But, still, it never hurts to mention it when you call.

[howdini]

No worries! This is all good info.

[ejswanso]

Last time I was there about a month ago, the duck for two was standard on the lunch menu -- in your third row. And it appeared quite popular in the dining room. Also, it's ridiculously good.

[nmprisons]

Your more recent report trumps mine. I do remember one time it being on the lunch menu when I was there and another time it not. I assume they only have a certain number of ducks in any event. Either way, the best bet is just to request one when you call.

[nmprisons]

"Le Bernardin and EMP are several cuts above Tocqueville." - I agree 100%

"Given your SO's restrictions (and duck preference), EMP is probably a better choice." - Yep.

[mizzanonymous]

Give Jung Sik some consideration, I was just there and I loved it.

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Jung Sik
2 Harrison St, New York, NY 10013