The Modern - Suggestions?

[epicdude17]

Hi, I'm heading into NYC next week for my birthday and have made reservations for The Modern.

Firstly, I unfortunately cannot bring a jacket, I called the restaurant and asked what their dress code was, to which they replied that they have no dress code. Would I look out of place if I wore a plain blue button-down shirt with khakis? I have looked at pictures of the place, and it is sort of mixed attire, some people with jackets, some people with dress shirts, even sweaters. I just don't want to look out of place.

If anyone has eaten there before, would you mind suggesting some dishes to me that you found to be enjoyable? I know the portions there are very small, but I don't really want anything that I can eat in one bite.

Thanks in advance!

[rednyellow]

FWIW, First, great to see a young man caring and interested in these issues. There are plenty of great restaurants that dont require a jacket but you'd still want to dress well in. As a rule, if you wear fashionable or classic clothing in great condition and carry yourself with confidence, odds are you'll be treated fine, welcomed. Don't ever be intimidated. Ask when unsure. Thats why they are there and anyone who makes you feel any less for asking a question at a restaurant about policy or menu or gives you grief about your good cloths, isn't worth your $$$$s. remember, you're the customer.

[epicdude17]

Can anyone tell me what they think about RGR saying that everyone wore jackets and that jackets were required? On OpenTable it says Smart Casual, and everywhere else it says smart casual.

Does it depend where you're seated?

[kathryn]

The Modern's Dining Room is now business casual, as they did away with the jacket requirement about a year, year and a half ago. On their OpenTable page it says Business Casual.

http://www.opentable.com/the-modern-d...

[calf]

I wore a jacket and they treated me just okay. The young lady diner at the window paid me more attention than some of the staff. Skip the jacket.

[epicdude17]

Okay, thanks! I'm really pumped for my first 'fine dining' experience!

[jon]

the modern dining room is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. make sure to get one of their awesome cocktails. also, the sturgeon tart is awesome. enjoy.

[Spiritchaser]

If you are dining alone or with just one other person request the two top table in the center along the glass wall looking out onto the sculpture garden, quietest table in the dining room. Also, if you like cocktails (or beer, or wine) ask if you can have a pre-dinner drink out on the terrace, it's really incredible if the weather is nice and next week is forecast to be just that.

[thegforceny]

I think he's like 16.

[epicdude17]

Thanks for the advice, but gforceny is right, I'm just 16!

[Cheeryvisage]

I don't know if you like sweet and tart drinks, but the Lychee Puree & Soda is my favorite non-alcoholic drink at The Modern. I highly recommend it. You can still enjoy a (non-alcoholic) drink on the terrace. :)

[epicdude17]

Truly I'm not going there for the drinks, but I think I might try the Lychee soda! Sounds like a good choice.

[Spiritchaser]

DOH!

But on second thought, maybe this would be a real nice thing to do with/for your Mom. As Cheeryvisage wrote, you could have one of theie incredible non-alcholic drinks.

[DaisyM]

I'm really excited for you! Hope you will report back.

[thegforceny]

You'll be fine in that attire - in either room. You need to specify if you are in Dining Room or Bar Room, as they have completely different menus. The former is 4 courses prix fixe or longer Chef's Tasting. (You can see these online.)

Also, it's discussed often on this board so if you do a search {upper right corner} you'll find many reviews to read until your new thread gets populated.

See?

http://www.chow.com/search?query=The+...

[epicdude17]

I reserved on OpenTable for the dining room, that's taken care of. thanks for the advice!