NYC Anniversary Dinner--French, Moderately Priced

[BlueTrain84]

Hi hounds,

Boston hound here. My bf and I will be down in NY over the next couple weekends and are looking for somewhere to celebrate our anniversary. I've done some preliminary research on the boards--what we are looking for is a French restaurant with special occasion ambiance, ideally spending around $100-$125pp w apps, entrees, shared dessert and wine (we would be willing to spend more for the right place). Any ideas? I've seen suggestions for Le Gigot, Balthazar and Chez Napoleon but wanted to poll the crowd with our specifics.

Thanks!

[ChefJune]

We really love the romantic ambiance of Gascogne. Sit in the downstairs dining room on the banquette. Food is excellent, Wine, as well. Prices are very reasonable.

Imho Le Gigot's seating is a bit too cramped to qualify as romantic.

[kathryn]

Gascogne closed.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/870575

[boredough]

The new restaurant Montmartre just opened in Gascogne's space:
http://ny.eater.com/archives/2013/03/...

[BlueTrain84]

I think that we are going with benoit, thanks for the suggestions! Will report back after the meal.

[Scott_C]

Benoit is a great choice. Here's a recent review that I found helpful in navigating the menu:
http://www.insatiable-critic.com/Arti...

[Motosport]

Le Parisien on E 33 St is excellent, reasonable, intimate and romantic.

[kathryn]

I've been Montmartre and while the food and service are excellent, it's probably too casual for a special celebration, and the distance between tables is on the closer side.

[ellenost]

What did you have at Montmartre?

[kathryn]

Frisee & lardon salad with duck confit and fried egg (yum), hamachi with kaffir lime (swoon, this dish was perfect), barely seared scallops with fennel and pickled grapes (my husband's favorite), strip steak with bone marrow and chive cream (delicious). They sent out the cassava chips (they were OK, I'm just not into cassava) and crispy potatoes with a foie gras sauce (!!).

[ellenost]

Thanks kathryn! Definitely want to try Montmartre soon and often!

[ellenost]

One of my favorite chefs, Tien Ho, has just opened Montmartre in Chelsea if you're looking for a French bistro type of restaurant. I haven't been there yet (the restaurant just opened last Thursday), but the early word on it is that it is excellent.

If you're looking for something more "dressy", you should try Tocqueville. I had an excellent dinner there in September.

[rrems]

Tocqueville is the best suggestion I've seen on this thread. It is definitely worthy of a special occasion.

[kathryn]

Le Gigot is very cute but I don't think of it as a special occasion place. The food I've tried is solid, not amazing.

Balthazar is excellent but also loud, crowded, and cramped. Not exactly special occasion dinner to me.

How much if your budget is for wine? It's easier to give recommendations if you estimate your food only pp cost, since you could spend a lot a wine.

[BlueTrain84]

Probably looking to only spend between $50-$60 for the bottle, so $25-$30/pp on wine.

[H Manning]

Benoit
Boulud Sud
Minetta Tavern
Le Philosophe
Jean Claude
Rouge et Blanc
Cercle Rouge

Montmarte, the new restaurant from Gabe Stulman and Tien Ho, just opened in Chelsea. Haven't been there yet but it might be worth looking into.