becky

Hello, going to Vienna, would love to have opinions about sophisticated dining places. Thanks

I enjoy reading the posts, but I am not much of a writer. Gagnaire was incredible, superb, not enough adjetives to describe what a wonderful evening we spent there. And the cost was worth every penny. Bux said: "it may be very easy to contest it unless the restaurant has a signed slip for the deposit. " Gagnaire sent a fax which required name, address, and credit card information and I had to sign it giving authorization to charge a deposit if we did not show up or cancel. Perhaps that's the way to go for all these small restaurants like Astrance so they don't loose out and neither do we.

I've been lurking for a long time and perhaps now may not be the best time to jump into these "murky" waters but I'd like to know if Ellenesk has pursued this further and has gotten anywhere. Also, I'd like to add that I have always had extremely good luck with concierge in hotels in Paris. Perhaps it has to do with the quality of the hotel and if the concierge has some "pull". The last time we reserved at Gagnaire, through the concierge in the hotel, I was asked for a credit card, though a deposit was not debited to it. I do know of a friend who made her reservations at Gagnaire directly via fax and the credit card she supplied was charged 100 euros per person (she said it made the final bill more palatable ). If a restaurant gets a lot of "no shows" why don't they ask for a credit card? I think if you give a credit card, address and phone you are more likely to cancel a reservation instead of not showing up and getting charged.

The last time Iwas in Venice was a long time ago. I don't remember eating in anyplace special. I don't know any of the restaurants mentioned by all here. Can anybody recommend a restaurant that has good food but also an upscale look? Sawdust on the floor or a taverna-look would be fine for me but not appreciated by my upper-east-side matron (mother)