Need recs for 5th Anniversary

[PieMistress]

Hi, all:

We are getting together with our neighbors for a 5th anniversary NYC trip next February (08). I would like to make reservations if necessary very early for our formal dinner.

Here are our agreed upon requirements and ideas:

1) Excellent food, perhaps not super bizarre, as the male half of our neighbor couple is kind of squeamish about "weird" things - Sushi is okay with everyone.

2) We would like to pay up to $250/person, but including wine or wine pairing...so no Per Se.

3) No classic, heavy French or an atmosphere that is very "stuffy" and formal. No steakhouses or Bobby Flay.

4) Planning on lunch at Jean Georges on Sat.

5) The rest of the meals reasonably priced, we are staying near the Park at the St. Regis - anyone hear anything about Alain Ducasse's new restaurant in the St. Regis (Adour)? Would that be worth our formal night?

Any other must-sees as you wish.

Thanks!

[weinoo]

Maybe a place like Lupa or Ssam Bar for one of the "reasonably-priced" meals.

EMP, the Modern, Cafe Boulud, Bouley, Le Bern, Gramercy, WD-50?, for your less reasonably priced meals. You should be able to keep within budget at those places.

Don't forget to have a drink at a great cocktail bar.

Great choice for your Saturday lunch!

[BryanZ]

JG does not do lunch in the main dining room on Saturday. Nougatine probably isn't worth your time. I believe other places like Bouley have a nice lunch deal on weekends too.

[sethd]

Unfortunately, Adour is not open yet. They hope to be open by the beginning of October.

Would highly recommend jean georges for dinner in the main room.

[kathryn]

Maybe a place like Lupa or Ssam Bar for one of the "reasonably-priced" meals.

EMP, the Modern, Cafe Boulud, Bouley, Le Bern, Gramercy, WD-50?, for your less reasonably priced meals. You should be able to keep within budget at those places.

Don't forget to have a drink at a great cocktail bar.

Great choice for your Saturday lunch!

←

WD-50 is perhaps the opposite of "not super bizarre," though!

I would definitely recommend Eleven Madison Park, The Modern - Bar Room, or Gramercy Tavern for your less reasonably priced meals as well.

[Nathan]

Jean Georges for dinner is the best restaurant in your price range. it's not stuffy.

as others have noted...they don't serve lunch on the weekends.

[Elizabeth Clauser]

Babbo, and don't forget drinks at Pegu Club.