CONFESSIONS OF A                                                                  
     
RESTAURANT WHORE
A San Francisco Girl's Down and Dirty Adventures in the Culinary Playground

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Survey Says?

My ever tolerant husband has given me the tentative go ahead to plan a trip to NYC for our anniversary in August. As Per Se will be closed for the duration of our trip, I'm trying to decide where to eat the anniversary meal (and all the other meals). My thought is that we can time it to eat dinner twice a day since everything is open so late. This is all still up in the air, based on Jon's work schedule, but I figure I should get some reservations on the books just in case, no?

On my must list? Le Bernadin, Babbo, perhaps Jean-Georges and a Colicchio establishment or two.

Now where do YOU think I should go?

xoxo
Joy

"To eat is a necessity. To eat intelligently is an art."
-- La Rochefoucauld

27 Comments:

Blogger NS said...

On my last trip to NY, the three restaurants at the top of my list were Jean-Georges, Le Bernardin, and Alain Ducasse. I only had time for one, however, so I went with Jean-Georges -- and it was fantastic. Now I just need to schedule another trip to pick up the other two!

6/21/2006 9:46 PM  
Blogger Sam said...

you know i aint as fancy as you. to be honest, I loved babbo, but thinking back on it, aside from a pasta dish, i wasn't really wowed by the food. i was just in a great mood cos it was my birthday so i enjoyed myself. the sommelier there was awesome though.

front of gramercy was very ordinary food wise. i hope the back room is better.

did you know that sam mason is leaving WD50 and the pastry chef from Alinea is taking his place. Not sure of the dates - you'll have to check.

6/21/2006 11:10 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

There is a place called Tao I went too. It's a bit super ultra trendy, but damn good food.

Also, an while I know you despise Bobby Flay as much as I do, you should try out one of his retaurants, like Mesa Grill. My cousin says it's probably one of the best places in the whole city.

6/22/2006 8:39 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Jean-Georges without a doubt.

6/22/2006 9:28 AM  
Blogger Moi said...

I have been to Le Bernardin three times and have always enjoyed it.

It's not French Laundry. It's not Moto (in Chicago), but it's damn good.

I am hearing lots about Jean-Georges, and would definitely give it a try if I was lucky enough to be going to NYC soon. Sigh.

6/22/2006 10:46 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

skip babbo and go to barbuto...jon waxmans place. oh, and treat your man to some steak frites at pastis too...

6/22/2006 11:20 AM  
Blogger Hungry Hedonist said...

Le Bernardin, for sure. It was probably the best meal I’ve had in NY. The food is excellent, and they treat you like royalty. I also wanted to check out Gilt, but I had no time (nor desire) for another 3 hr+ meal. As you so accurately stated, I'm fatigued.

6/22/2006 3:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Two stand outs from my last trip: Lunch at Bouley and dinner at WD-50

Other good meals at Fleur de Sel (romantic), Blue Hill (dessert!), and L'Impero (the cheese course is incredible) ...but the two above were the most memorable overall.

6/22/2006 4:00 PM  
Blogger Mark B. Johnson said...

Ducasse is better in Paris or Monaco. Le Bernardin will never disappoint. Was just there in April from SF and was one of the most memorable dinners I've ever had, anywhere.

6/22/2006 10:46 PM  
Blogger shuna fish lydon said...

Mesa Grill? Eek, stay away. but you knew that. ( I worked for him 12 years ago so I can say that with affection not merely disdain.)

Prune, Jean-Georges, Peasant, Gramercy Tavern, Pearl, Masa's, Bouley, Il Laboratorio del Gelato, The Doughnut Factory, City Bakery, Jewel Bako, Veselka, Chikalicious, Prune (O did I say that already?), 66, Le Bernadin,

well that's a start at any rate.
and for god's sake woman I better see some dessert menus!!

6/22/2006 10:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I cannot vouch for anything but Babbo (and I would ignore those who say not to go -- Sam knows she ignored the pasta tasting course at her own peril) but my list would include: Jean-Georges, Le Bernardin, Prune, Momofuku and Blue Hill at Stone Barns. (You can take the train.)

6/23/2006 9:56 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Shuna's list looks pretty stellar to me! Did she mention Prune? Yes, good. ;-) At the very least, go for weekend brunch. Put Masa and J-G at the top of your fancy list. I liked Le Bernadin, but I found the service a little stiff and formal for my taste. If you're dying to eat Mario's food, go to Lupa. Though less grandiose than Babbo, I think Lupa is his best restaurant overall and one of the best Italian restaurants anywhere. But, then again, I tend to prefer simpler fare. Drop by in the early evening for a prosecco and a platter of housemade salumi. Heaven on a hot August evening.

6/23/2006 12:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Go to Dévi in Union Square. Let Hemant feed you. Let his wife, Surbhi, give you Chai Panna Cotta made with Earl Grey tea.

Some photos from my lunch there last May.

It is some of the most amazing food, let alone Indian food, I've ever had. And nothing in San Francisco can touch it, for Indian food. (So sayeth Suvir Saran.)

You will be very very happy, I promise. (Tell them Suvir's friend, Tana, sent you. Hemant has fed me four times, and should remember me, as should Surbhi.)

XO

6/23/2006 3:39 PM  
Blogger the Lumpia said...

If you need a sushi fix, a suggestion is lunch at Tomoe Sushi - supposed to have the freshest fish. I passed by it the last time I was in town, but was too hungry to wait. I've also enjoyed a late lunch at Blue Fin Sushi - the squid salad was so tender, you'd think you're eating noodles. My sister-in-law (who is from Japan) gave these two places a thumbs up in terms of hitting close to home for her.

6/23/2006 4:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Try the lobster roll at Mary's Fish Camp. You won't regret it.

6/23/2006 8:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Went to Lupa a few years ago and loved it. Also really liked Union Square Cafe.

6/24/2006 8:53 AM  
Blogger Cate said...

Mmmm, Mary's Fish Camp is a yummy suggestion. I love Tom Colicchio though...

6/24/2006 9:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Prune for brunch definitely rather than dinner, Casa Mono for lunch or dinner, and Lupa. I know what you mean about two dinners in New York, Brett and I had dinner once at Lupa at 11 pm after flying in at 7. Can't do that many places state-side. Love NYC! Have a fab trip.

6/24/2006 5:19 PM  
Blogger Joy said...

Thanks, kids...this list is looking fab!

6/25/2006 12:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What about someplace really cheap and child-friendly to eat for people who have spent far too much on travel and dining already this year and are taking the kids (7 & 9) to NY anyway? So far we're thinking of Otto, Momofuku, and just hitting our favorite by-the-slice haunts.

6/26/2006 8:36 AM  
Blogger Anne said...

Definitely, definitely Le Bernardin. I also had a fantastic meal at Veritas (they have a rather extensive wine list). It's a pity Per Se isn't going to be open, but it sounds like you're going to have some excellent food!

6/26/2006 7:48 PM  
Blogger the Lumpia said...

What was I thinking! "Blue Fin" is a small sushi restaurant on the Peninsula that the bf frequents. "Blue Ribbon Sushi" is the place in NYC that I enjoyed. Sorry about that!

6/26/2006 9:58 PM  
Blogger shuna fish lydon said...

Prune for brunch? Sure, whatever, but dinner is the sexiest time. Get lots of apps, a few sides and save room for dessert even!

6/26/2006 11:13 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You're absolutely right, Shuna. Prune is sexier at night and the apps are especially good. That "n. of ipos" doesn't know what she's talking about."ipos"...where have I heard that before? Oh, that's my N! Well, er, I just may have to take her to Prune for dinner and let the folks there persuade her. But, then again, I do love their brunch, too!

6/29/2006 2:26 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am not that enthralled by temples of food so I like something I consider real and the vibe must be as good as the food--Babbo is great--food--feel and whoever mentioned the sommelier is right. Baby sister Lupa is a treasure as well.

Falai in the Clinton Street ghetto is very interesting but has a downtown vibe if you are looking for "fancy"--Babbo passes both ways.

Peasant should also be on your list. Batali calls it his favorite that he doesn't own.

6/30/2006 3:44 PM  
Blogger David said...

If you don't get a Salted Croissant at City Bakery while you're in New York, you can't come back. Really.

7/01/2006 7:09 AM  
Blogger Alice Q. Foodie said...

I've been wanting to try the cheese restaurant, Artisanal - I wanted to take my husband there for his birthday last year, but we didn't make the trip. I've also heard really good things about Gramercy Tavern and Lupa from trustworthy people who've been, though I have not. Have fun!!!

7/03/2006 1:58 PM  

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