closing dinner for foodies - really need some help

[RichardinDC]

Foodie from DC coming up to NY next month to host a closing dinner for 8 people who all are foodies as well. I spent major time yesterday between this board, Eater and Yelp searching for the right combination and never got there. Here are my priorities:
1) Great Food
2) Fun Atmosphere
3) Not a Steak Place
4) Under $100 PP for food (i.e. not including drinks/wine)
5) Folks are coming from different places so pen to all of Manhatten

Open to whatever kind of food - some places that looked like they could work:

The Nomad
The Modern
Torrisi

Any suggestions???

[rrems]

Not sure exactly how much "fun" but these are all lively:

Barraca
Yerba Buena Perry
Louro
The Marrow
Perilla
Kin Shop
SD26
Recette

[thegforceny]

Was just reading this list (from today, if you haven't seen it yet) and thought many would suit your criteria:

http://ny.eater.com/archives/2013/01/...

[RichardinDC]

Awesome, thanks

[foodwhisperer]

Jungsik
Osteria Morini
Brushstroke
Recette
Blue Ribbon Izakaya
Nougatine at Jean-Georges
Tribeca Canvas ( Morimoto)

[EBT]

I vote for the NoMad. Request the Parlor room (with 8 you might be seated there anyway).

Torrisi is a set menu, $75 for 7 courses (or $160 for the 20 course Chef's menu), so that might be too limiting. Plus I don't think you can wedge 8 in there.

I think you'd have to do Bar Room at the Modern but I don't know that I'd say it's a "fun" atmosphere (though I do really enjoy it).

Mas could work, though not sure about the size inside for a group of your size. They might also make you do a prix fixe; not sure.

Other thoughts: Commerce? L'Artusi? L'Apicio?

[princeofpork3]

Locande Verde, Commerce, Yerba Buena Perry

[RichardinDC]

Thanks for the suggestions - any feedback on Mas Farmhouse?

[kathryn]

Mas strikes me as more romantic than fun.

[Riverman500]

Il Buco Alimentari e Vineria