Jean Georges v. JoJo for lunch -- just one chance

[Lori in PA]

My parents and I will be in NCY next week while my dad has surgery in a local hospital. On the day before, he has pre-op tests in the morning but no restrictions for eating and a free afternoon. So, we have an opportunity for a nice lunch and a few hours to do something relaxing and distracting-from-surgical-anticipation.

I get to the city about once a year and have always wanted to eat the "cheapo" lunch at JG, but timing and/or companions have never allowed it. Now I see some of his other restaurants are offering a "Winter Promotion" deal that has become year-round. JoJo looks like it would be the best of those locations if we went with that alternative, but I know nothing about either place.

Where do you think we would have the nicest experience? My mom is the least adventurous eater among us, but both sample menus look like she would find plenty to love. I think we'd all like to enjoy delicious food, be a little impressed, but not feel like we have to expend a lot of mental energy overcoming any potential intimidation factors.

Also, where would you take people "in our condition" after lunch to while away a few hours?

Thanks in advance for advice and help. I always get the best assistance from all of you!

[sethd]

I would go to jean george without a moments hesitation. It is the BEST lunch deal in the city!!

[Lori in PA]

Thanks, Seth.

I was expecting lots of firm opinions about this, but near silence! Does nobody else eat at both places? The deals seem similar pricewise, so I'd like to know what you think.

[sethd]

Lori, they are worlds of difference between the two restaurants. Jean Georges is his flagship and remains one of the three best restaurants in New YOrk. JoJo ( his first solo venture 20 years ago) is a good Upper East Side Bistro. The lunch deal in the main dining room is, as mentioned, the best lunch bargain in the city. The menu includes 20 dishes, most of them from the dinner menu. The service is exemplary as well. I have eaten at jean georges at least 3 times a week for the last 9 years: I still eagerly await all my meals there. Enjoy

[Lori in PA]

Thanks very much for the reply. Do others concur?

[Steamtrain]

I would go to jean george without a moments hesitation. It is the BEST lunch deal in the city!!

this is correct. JG is an outstanding lunch.

enjoy!

quoted for concurringness

[LPShanet]

It's not even close....go to JG. JoJo is a reasonable bistro, as stated above, but nothing special. JG is the best lunch in the city. No comparison.

[Nathan]

people aren't posting because the correct answer reall is definitive. JG and JoJo are not in the same league.

[Lori in PA]

Thanks for the replies and recommendations. It ended up that we had to cancel our res at Jean Georges -- Dad was just too ill to be able to go. Thankfully, his surgery was very successful and he is much better, and as I told him, Jean Georges will be there for another time or if it isn't it won't matter very much in the larger scheme of things.