Last hurrah -- where to go?

[Savour]

I'm having a baby in three weeks, and I was thinking I might like to go out for a nice dinner with my husband (grandmother will be happy to babysit big sister, but from experience leisurely meals and babies do not mix for at least a few years). Where should we go? Ideal restaurant would be:

Destination, but not crazy expensive. (from experience, babies are also crazy expensive)

Not impossible to get a reservation with a week or two notice (I was thinking Osteria Mozza, but I don't really want to eat dinner at 5 pm)

Not really predicated on a great wine or cocktail list or raw fish or shellfish (I'm not the most conservative eater when pregnant, but I do have some limits)

Any suggestions? We live on the east side, but we're willing to drive.

[maudies5]

When I was three weeks away from delivering, I reserved a suite at the Beverly Wilshire and ordered room service. I felt awful but knew that it was my "last hurrah." Little did I know that the little guy would decide to postpone his arrival for another 2 weeks.:(. Many years later, I remember the "last hurrah". We felt like honeymooners. Although, I looked like a big whale, it was a very romantic weekend

[degustingdiary]

Not sure what would constitute "crazy expensive," but I would suggest Melisse or Scarpetta, which in my experience deliver great food and great service.

[Savour]

Thanks to all the suggestions. We had an amazing meal at Red Medicine last night. Brussels sprouts, foie gras, uni porridge, halibut, and two desserts. I had to roll out of the restaurant but it was worth it!

[happybaker]

Yay! Congratulations!

[Savour]

Thanks! Red Medicine looks perfect. (I have been wanting to try Animal but it sounds pretty heavy) and I was able to get a table for next weekend.

[BSW6490]

Il Piccolino on Robertson or Sotto

[nosh]

I love Gjelina, which is definitely not crazy expensive, but it may be difficult to get in.

I'd consider Chinois on Main, with bold flavors and everything served to share -- I'll bet you can get in and it is not crazy expensive if you go with the smaller dishes and split one large plate -- definitely either the sliced filet with szechwan sauce or the deep-fried catfish with ponzu.

[Jason_King]

Congrats. I had a baby four months ago and had several =Last Hurrah" dinners. Here are the highlights for me: Farm Shop, Lucques, Son of a Gun, Red Medicine, Picca, MB Post, Bazaar. Each is very different from the next, all delicious.

[Servorg]

Have you seen all the recent hubbub surrounding Red Medicine in Beverly Hills? If not take a gander at some of it here: http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/840545 We are going in a couple of weeks. We have loved everyone of our dinners at Animal http://animalrestaurant.com/ on Fairfax in the WeHo adjacent area.

[PaulF]

Red Medicine is certainly doing well.

I remember that flap with the Times restaurant reviewer had a lot of people "vowing" never to eat there. They seem to have survived and thrived.