sulten

Thanks for the nice input, although it didn't really make my choice any easier:-) Judiu: Sure, I will cancel the remaining one (or as LPShanet suggests, try to get into L'Atelier on the Friday) To give you a comparison, I could mention that over the last 12 months I have shared a table with the very same friend at WD-50 and at Sergio Arola's restaurant in Madrid (full tasting menus both places). Quite a span of style and techniques, although Sergio also has a modern take on his food. Both occasions were very enjoyable, but very different. While WD-50 was amazing, soemtimes challenging, and partly very tasteful, the meal in Madrid was a pure and extravagant pleasure from the first amuse to the last dessert. As far as I can see from reviews and forum posts, both Corton and L'Atelier would be closer to Sergio Arola than to WD-50 in food style and ambience. Any additional comments, anyone?

I will soon be in NYC together with a very good friend, who shares my passion for food and wine. As always when we are traveling together, I plan to arrange a memorable fine dining experience on our last night in town. It turns out that booking is slightly complicated due to Valentine's Day, meaning that a lot of interesting tables are already taken. Right now I am on the waiting list of Per Se, but I have managed to secure tables at L'Atelier and Corton for Saturday night. Assuming that Per Se is beyond reach, which one would you choose of L'Atelier or Corton? It should be added that we also enjoy our conversation when dining together, so we would favor a place that is not too loud.