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Just wanted to give an update - we ended up at the Modern Bar Room and it was really just perfect. My bf was stuck in horrible traffic and then a torrential downpour, so we didn't have quite as long as I would have hoped, and therefore ate less than we would have, being under time constraints because of the theater, but it was terrific.
The hostess moved my reservation from 5:30 to 6:15 in the most understanding way, and our waiter was very attentive to the fact that we had to leave by 7:40. We had the mushroom flatbread - because I had become obsessed with it while waiting for my boyfriend, as it passed by my table multiple times en route to other tables@ - and the foie gras/spaetzle/tuna dish. Incredibly perfectly rich and a fascinating combination. Also had the pork belly sliders, which were divine. Fairly heavy and rich choices, not usual for us, but it was all great. I'd go back in a second. And the Dining Room is on our list, for sure.
thanks to all for your guidance!
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Thanks, everyone! I've decided on the Modern Bar Room - reviews here and folks I know who've been there speak highly of it. The loudness won't be an issue - we'll be there on the early side, and it may just add to a festive birthday atmosphere. And I think it will work well as a pre-theater dinner.
If anyone wants to call out any "must-haves" from the menu, feel free to share!
Thanks in advance.
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re: kleary2
You can't go wrong no matter what you choose from the Bar Room's menu, but that said...
Foie Gras Terrine with muscat gelée and toasted br
Roasted Long Island Duck Breast with peppercorn-crusted apples and pistachio-truffle dipping sauce
Veal and Ricotta Ravioli with morel mushrooms and smoked sweetbreads
Beignets with maple ice cream, caramel and mango marmalade
Enjoy the Bar Room and the show! Happy Birthday!
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I like db BIstro after 8 PM. But its pre-theater menu is too limited and unimaginative. And they won't let you order from their regular memo during the pre-theater period.
So, despite its location, I don't think db Bistro is a very good pre- (as opposed to post-) theater choice.
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re: Sneakeater
We haven't done dbBistro pre-theater since right after they first opened, so I had no idea they don't offer their regular menu now. Same thing at Boulud Sud. Their limited pre-theater menu is a lot less appealing, at least to me, than the regular menu. So, we went to Boulud Sud for an after-ballet supper. The two apps we shared were very good, but the main course duck dish we also shared was a huge disappointment. Not even close to the sensational duck dish at The NoMad.
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re: Sneakeater
No, actually, the Boulud Sud duck is/was* more expensive ($36) than The NoMad's ($32). Portion sizes the same, i.e., two large duck "steaks."
*Note: They may no longer be serving the duck we had at Boulud Sud because I don't see it listed on the website menu. I know the price because I have the bill ticket.
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re: RGR
Oh, that's remarkable. I didn't remember that.
I've had that duck at Boulud Sud, and while I didn't dislike as much as you did, there's no way it was nearly as good as (much less better than) the duck at The NoMad!
I guess I always think of Boulud Sud as relatively cheap (I mean relatively -- for what it is) and The NoMad as relatively expensive.
I should probably rethink.
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re: Sneakeater
In the cause of helping you to rethink.... :)
There's only one main course dish at Boulud Sud that's in the $20's -- the chicken tagine @$28. The rest are low to high $30's with the exception of the rib-eye for two @$120.
At NoMad, there are 3 main courses in the $20's, and the rest are in the $30's with the duck being the least expensive and the chicken for two the highest @$78 = $39pp.
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Thanks to both of you. As it turns out, I can't get a reservation for the Modern dining room, and I've also come to feel that that should be an evening in itself sometime. Some friends have now suggested the Lamb's Club, and I'm actually leaning that way. Going to do a little scouting here to see what the scoop is there.
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re: kleary2
We haven't been to The Lamb's Club. But a trusted Hound recently posted that he had a horrible dinner experience there.
You might still want to consider Oceana, which is our favorite fish/seafood restaurant. Nice enough for a birthday dinner but not a place (like The Modern Dining Room) that you would want to make the evening's "entertainment." The food is always perfectly prepared and delicious; service is pleasant and professional, and the large space has very attractive decor.
Photos of our recent post-theater supper at Oceana: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157629730340444/
Another option is Vitae, a new restaurant on 45th St., just off 5th Av. (a few minutes walk from your theater). The contemporary American cuisine is excellent, service is friendly and efficient, and the ambiance is very pleasant. Imo, a great choice for a pre-theater birthday dinner.
Photos of our dinner at Vitae: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157629984084137/
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The Modern dining room would be fabulous for a special birthday dinner, but imho not before the theater. That dinner should be "the theater" when you do that. We had astounding soft shell crab at DB Bistro in the very recent past. And that room certainly lends itself better to a great meal without lingering than does the Modern.
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re: kleary2
They're all good, so it would depend on the kind of food that you like. Just note that DB is quite cramped and the Modern Bar Room can get loud.
The Modern Dining Room would be a great choice for a birthday dinner but if you have a show at 8:00 you should probably get the earliest reservation. The the four course menu comes with amuses bouche and the chocolate cart.
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