The London Lounge

I am making one of my very infrequent visits to this great city in the summer. Looking for a spot for a special occasion dinner. I realise the choice is probably endless but recommendations are always helpful. Where's hot?

Oh, and if anyone would like to throw in suggestions for the best Martini in town, please do

I am making one of my very infrequent visits to this great city in the summer. Looking for a spot for a special occasion dinner. I realise the choice is probably endless but recommendations are always helpful. Where's hot? Oh, and if anyone would like to throw in suggestions for the best Martini in town, please do

Everywhere will be hot...too damn hot!

My best meal was at The Vinegar Hill House in Dumbo...could have been Paris. If you want something more dressy..then the Boulud is a good choice. Amazing sushi at 15E near Union Square. People rave about the French/American cuisine at De Tocqueville next door to 15E. The Bio cuisine "Craft" also gets great reviews. And for a nice all around place, The Gotham Bar & Grill also near Union Square (they have Occhipinti's "Frappato" on the wine list.)

Best Marty was a tie between the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis and a small bar called The Flatiron on 19th Street.

Cheers

Eleven Madison Park would be my pick - http://elevenmadisonpark.com/

Frankly, both Craft and Gotham are very touristy these days. I also believe that Craft's best days are behind it.

Scot wrote: Looking for a spot for a special occasion dinner.

Hi Scot,
is your "special occasion" intimate and romantic?
If it is, from the bottom of my heart I would recommend One if By Land, Two if By Sea in the West Village. My wife and I just had dinner there during this past Easter week. Great ambiance and a marvelous Espresso Soufflé.

Thank you guys.

If you want something more dressy..then the Boulud is a good choice.

Daniel?

I think Eleven Madison Park is tough to beat for a special occasion type meal these days. As far as 4 star restaurants in NYC, the wine list also offers the best deals.

NoMad (their other restaurant) is very lively and action packed and hip, but delicious.

Lafayette for a casual lunch or dinner is also a good bet. Carmelini's new place that just opened up.

If you are willing to venture beyond the city limits (by way of short train ride from grand central terminal), then I would register an emphatic recommendation for blue hill at stone barns.

I think Eleven Madison Park is tough to beat for a special occasion type meal these days. As far as 4 star restaurants in NYC, the wine list also offers the best deals.

Right in my hood and I missed it. Next time. The wine list is excellent. One of the best I have seen in NY. But those are "best deals?" The prices vary between five and six times Paris prices! Holy healthy liver Batman!

alden wrote:

I think Eleven Madison Park is tough to beat for a special occasion type meal these days. As far as 4 star restaurants in NYC, the wine list also offers the best deals.

Right in my hood and I missed it. Next time. The wine list is excellent. One of the best I have seen in NY. But those are "best deals?" The prices vary between five and six times Paris prices! Holy healthy liver Batman!

I should rephrase as "best deals at a high-end NY restaurant!" Paris is always cheaper by far. Restaurants mark up less in general (except for 3 star Michelin) and they don't need to go through shipping and importer into the US. Automatically *significantly* cheaper!

Eleven Madison Park

I am oddly traditional in preferring some choice over what I eat and I don't go to restaurants for a challenge! EMP makes me a bit nervous, therefore. Prefer a Manhattan location where the cooking is exceptional and in the classic style (i.e the food is recognisably food!)

A new spot that is opening in 3 weeks may be right up your alley. It is called Charlie Bird and the chef is Ryan Hardy who used to work at the upscale restaurant Montagna at The Little Nell in Aspen. This new place will be more back to basics in the Village.

Blue Hill Stone Barns is wonderful if you're willing to go outside the city. There is a city location which serves the same food, but in a more casual setting.

I also think Babbo still does a great job for excellent food in a casual, lively atmosphere with professional service. A rare combination.

Slewfoot wrote:I also think Babbo still does a great job for excellent food in a casual, lively atmosphere with professional service. A rare combination.

They ARE impressive, I must say.