Celebration Lunch - Le Bernardin or . . . ?

[freshlycured]

I'm looking to plan a memorable lunch for my Mom for her 65th birthday. The $72 prix-fixe at Le Bernardin looks tremendous - she loves seafood, but isn't super-adventurous (doesn't like raw preparations). Any suggestions for best dishes would be appreciated. Also, are there other restaurants, at a similar price point, you might recommend that would provide a similar "special" experience? Neighborhood not important as we'll travel anywhere in Manhattan. Thanks.

[Mike C. Miller]

When you mention "celebration" and "le Bernardin" in the same sentence, I automatically think of Champagne. Great wine list there, and some nice champers on it. And the Eric Ripert's food often is a great match with champagne. Just saying.

[UES Mayor]

Your mom will love Le Grenouille

[ChefJune]

Le Bernardin is truly memorable, but my favorite place for big celebration is Gramercy Tavern.

[Spiritchaser]

I have never had a bad dish at Le B so I could say with a clear conscience anything that looked appealing to your Mom would probably be great. That being said I like the tuna app, the monkfish, the lobster.

For other celebratory restaurants with that price point you could check out Jean George dining room (not Nougotine), Bouley.

[ellenost]

I was just checking the Bouley website since I'm returning for dinner next week, and Bouley's tasting menu at lunch is now $50 for 5 courses (multiple selections for each course).

[Monica]

That's a good tip. Have you had the lunch course? Do you think it will be different than dinner in terms of quality? thanks.

[ellenost]

While I've only had dinner at Bouley, I have read wonderful reports about the lunch tasting menu. Five courses for $50 sounds like a wonderful way to try the restaurant. I know the quality of the food and service at lunch will be just as wonderful as it is for dinner.

[freshlycured]

Thanks for the info. I just looked at the Bouley website and now I'm conflicted.

[Spiritchaser]

No one does fish like Le B but if you want choices other than fish then Bouley, or another place, would probably be a better choice.