bgut1

The same thing kept me from going in for a few months until I finally got the courage to go in. Not as bad inside and the food is fantastic. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

Not trying to bump my previous recommendation, however, I had lunch at East Coast Vegan again the other day and I am completely amazed at the owner/chef's ability to create the flavors and textures from raw vegan foods. I tried an item from his new fall menu - a peking spring roll which was just fabulous along with a green super smoothy (which I believe is ECV's top seller). I understand that outside of NYC there doesn't exist any other completely raw vegan restaurant in the area. They are open Monday through Saturday 10AM to 7 PM. I also understand that they have started a Saturday Brunch with mock bagels and lox and other assorted items. Please let me know if you try it.

Far East Taste should more than satisfy your Thai food cravings.

McFoodie - Great job with your site. I'm sure it was a labor of love. Being a Monmouth County resident myself, I found it interesting reading another persons take on the many restaurants in the area (most we agreed on btw). I would only suggest that you put Brandl on your short list and that you remove Meritage as it has closed. Again thank you for the undertaking. On a side note, I see that you list Illianos as a family favorite. I couldn't agree more as it seems we order from the place at least twice a week (the chicken vinegar is a staple for me). You wouldn't happen to be from Ocean would you?

I guess then its "No Mas" for Sneakeater.

I agree with the above post that there may be better "sushi" restaurants in Manhattan. That being said I believe Nobu is phenomenal when it comes to the hot and cold non-sushi items (i.e. rock shrimp tempura, lobster salad, toro toban yaki, etc.). IMHO, it is an experience not to be missed. Reservations at either Nobu or Nobu 57 are hard to obtain, however, I suggest putting your name in at Next Door Nobu and cooling your jets at the Pegu Club (a quick cab ride or long walk). You can give NDN your cell number and they will call you when your table is up. Enjoy your trip. You have chosen some nice places.

I changed my reservation last month from 4 to 3, so you really only need one (this was our second trip with a friend and the fourth had to cancel). I guess they are fine to make this change but not from 4 to 2. You could always post for the extra on this board. I recall as long as the downsize is made 72 hours in advance you do not have to pay the $150 per person. ← Thanks for the idea.

Thanks Shmily. I am really looking forward to it. My wife and I have eaten at both the French Laundry and Bouchon (LV) and enjoyed the meals tremendously. We even got a chance to meet Chef Keller and get a personal tour of the French Laundry kitchen. I am interested in comparing the two dining experiences. I will definitely report back. ← You might be interested in seeing the interactive screen with The French Laundry that is in Per Se's Kitchen...if you ask, they will show it to you...We got to meet Chef Keller the first time we ate there but he was not there the 2nd...when you confirm, let them know that you have eaten at the other 2..they were extra nice to us knowing we were repeaters...we were told by our waiter that the food is isentical in the 2 restaurants, but the surroundings make the experiences different...enjoy... ← I will defintely report back IF I can still go. I have a reservation for 4 and the other couple has canceled (I assume due to the anticipated cost). I tried to change the reservation to just 2 however there is no availability. I will hold the reservation for a little bit longer with the hope we can find another couple to go. Otherwise I will have to try someplace else. Thanks to you and epicure for your advice and well wishes.

My luck ... the Castle on the Hudson is booked solid for the first weekend in October. What is is about October? When did people start to love the Fall so much?

Given your parameters, I would recommend Jean Georges or ADNY. There's also nothing wrong with your original first choice, Per Se, but if you've been to The French Laundry, I would recommend trying something new. On the other hand, if you were really wowed by TFL, then Per Se will probably wow you too. I've been to Per Se twice, and it is a unique experience.All of Rich's suggestions for "non-amateurs," although very fine restaurants, are operating at a lower level than Per Se, ADNY, or JG. ← Rich - I'm here asking for suggestions, so I appreciate your advice. That being said I agree with Oakapple that those restaurants "may" be a notch below the ones I referenced. Annisa, Cru and WD-50 are all places on my short list to try. However, I don't see them as "once in a lifetime meals." Maybe I'm chasing something that is unattainable. I've eaten at quite a few restaurants over the past 20 years with the top four being at Jean Louis at the Watergate, Le Francais outside of Chicago, The French Laundry, and Jean Georges. I'd like to have one of those rarified experiences for my 40th Birthday without concern as to cost. Therefore, its up to that level that I compare the restaurants. Again, I truly appreciate the time you and the other posters have taken to respond to my request. Thank you. ← You are seeking that rarified air type place - a once in a lifetime night to rank with your top four meals. I think Stone Barns would qualify if you let them cook for you and if you booked a room at The Castle, but I think the Inn at Little Washington would work just as well. Aside from that, I don't think there's a place in NYC which would qualify - they all have strengths and weaknesses. Here's a thought. Make a chef an offer he/she can't refuse and have one of them come to your house to prepare dinner. That would be a once in a lifetime experience. Maybe Bouley or Mario or Bobby would do it for the right price (not money, but PR/photo opportunity). Hey, it would be worth a shot to contact them. ← Thanks Rich. I will look into Blue Hill and the Castle. Not a bad idea about cooking in my home but I doubt they would want to come to my home in Jersey. I would however consider a chef's/kitchen table and might email the restaurant inquiring about a special menu. Great ideas thanks.

That's fine. I understand completely how things can be misconstrued. I apologize for my rant.

Sorry Sneakeater, but I'm having a hard time not taking offense to your response. The reason for this forum is to have a discourse about food. To say a post is useless is obnoxious. If you truly think so then please read it and move along and try not to insult the OP.

Given your parameters, I would recommend Jean Georges or ADNY. There's also nothing wrong with your original first choice, Per Se, but if you've been to The French Laundry, I would recommend trying something new. On the other hand, if you were really wowed by TFL, then Per Se will probably wow you too. I've been to Per Se twice, and it is a unique experience.All of Rich's suggestions for "non-amateurs," although very fine restaurants, are operating at a lower level than Per Se, ADNY, or JG. ← I agree that those recommended may be a notch below Per Se, Daniel, etc. I would gladly go to JG however, I've been there before and wanted to try something new. I've also have been to Le Bernardin however prior to Chef Ripert taking command.

Given your parameters, I would recommend Jean Georges or ADNY. There's also nothing wrong with your original first choice, Per Se, but if you've been to The French Laundry, I would recommend trying something new. On the other hand, if you were really wowed by TFL, then Per Se will probably wow you too. I've been to Per Se twice, and it is a unique experience.All of Rich's suggestions for "non-amateurs," although very fine restaurants, are operating at a lower level than Per Se, ADNY, or JG. ← Rich - I'm here asking for suggestions, so I appreciate your advice. That being said I agree with Oakapple that those restaurants "may" be a notch below the ones I referenced. Annisa, Cru and WD-50 are all places on my short list to try. However, I don't see them as "once in a lifetime meals." Maybe I'm chasing something that is unattainable. I've eaten at quite a few restaurants over the past 20 years with the top four being at Jean Louis at the Watergate, Le Francais outside of Chicago, The French Laundry, and Jean Georges. I'd like to have one of those rarified experiences for my 40th Birthday without concern as to cost. Therefore, its up to that level that I compare the restaurants. Again, I truly appreciate the time you and the other posters have taken to respond to my request. Thank you.

Sneakeater - I'm not trying to limit myself by the NYT star system. In my mind 4 stars means exemplary food, service and decor - the full package. I've enjoyed reading your posts in the past and would never take your response as being antagonistic.

Rich - Thank you for your response. I am however surprised by your suggestion as I never thought of any of them (except maybe Blue Hill) as specail occasion restaurants. I was expecting 4 star restaurants not 2 stars (I believe Blue Hill is 3 stars - not trying to star a flame war here). WD-50 is out as my wife will not be able to "handle" the interesting cuisine. Annisa and Cru are on my try list however, the thought of either one doesn't do it for me for a very special occassion dinner. Blue Hill on the other hand sounds interesting, however, the online menu looks ... I hate to say "pedestrian". I'm sure the food is fantastic however, it doesn't excite me. If it wasn't 5 hours away, I would seriously consider the Inn at Little Washington for dinner and an overnight stay (the same money as staying at a NYC 4 star hotel). Anyway, I may have to cancel my Per Se reservation for 4 as the couple who was coming with us needs to pull out and Per Se doesn't have availability for 2. Although I was there for dinner quite some time ago, I might instead make a reservation for Le Bernadin and try the chef's Tasting Menu (the duo of Eric Ripert and Michael Laiskonis sounds good to me). Again, I appreciate your advice.

I've requested that my wife not throw me the obligatory 40th Birthday Party but instead do dinner and a night in NYC. I really want to "knock this one outta the park" and wanted to try the best the city has to offer. My first thought is Per Se and I currently have a reservation for Oct. 7. However, having read the entire thread on this board, I am having second thoughts. Others being considered are Daniel and ADNY. By way of background, we have dined at the French Laundry, Daniel and Bouley (both prior locations), and Jean Georges. I'm looking for a WOW experience and money (within reason) is not an issue. Thanks for your input.

Thanks Shmily. I am really looking forward to it. My wife and I have eaten at both the French Laundry and Bouchon (LV) and enjoyed the meals tremendously. We even got a chance to meet Chef Keller and get a personal tour of the French Laundry kitchen. I am interested in comparing the two dining experiences. I will definitely report back.

Not a bad idea about the Mandarin Oriental. I had actually thought about it or Trump International when I saw that a decent room at the Four Seasons was over $750 for the night. $500/$600 maybe but $750 is a little out of control.

I was lucky to just get an early evening reservation for Saturday, October 7. My wife was going to throw me a big 40th Birthday party but I insisted that we save the money and go to Per Se for dinner and maybe stay overnight at the Four Seasons. I recently lost alot of weight and have avoided gourmet food (and pretty much any kind of bad carbs and sugar for that matter) for the past 4 months. I guess I deserve to indulge a bit for my birthday and can't think of a better way to do so.

Bought some today (actually quite a bit) at the Farmer's Market. Some hot & spicy, pickled tomatoes, sweet peppers and half sours. The best to me are the half sours and the tomatoes. Even though I bought them, I find the hot & spicy to be just a tad too spicy for my taste. I also tried the horseradish pickles and while interesting it didn't merit a purchase. Thanks for bringing these guys to my attention. I will try the olives next.

I just noticed them at the Farmer's Market in Toms River (Wednesdays at Huddy Park - for anyone interested). I will definitely give them a try (especially the hot & spicy pickles). You never know what you'll find on this board.

can you point out the constructive part because um, i'm not seeing it. i didn't get much of an idea of the food at all. flavor doesn't seem to figure into it too much. all i learned from that was that you seem to be easily, perhaps perpetually bored, and have a strong preference for another chef you like to promote. ← It DID kind of come off that way... Was kind of needless (IMO) to hype Mason in that way since I think they're part of a sort of supportive community. One other thing I'd like to add. I never got the feelings from ANYTHING I've read, internet, print, mainstream, etc, that R4D had the slightest semblence to 'Finale'. ← for what it's worth, i have no affiliation to any chef. i just didn't think r4d's flavors were worth the hype/cost. next time i'll try to be more constructive. ← I, not freshherbs made the comment about Finale. While I don't dispute that neither articles nor posts compare the two establishment, since Finale was the only dessert restaurant that I had ever tried it was the sole reference point for which I could judge R4D. While I had thought that Finale had a better dessert selection, clearly R4D was more cutting edge and therefore had more potential.

Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one.

Will - Thank you for acknowledging our constructive criticism. You obviously are quite talented and your dessert bar has a large amount of potential. I will definitely give you another shot.