Need Recommendation for 40th BDay Dinner

[jm chen]

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.

The Inn at Little Washington has strengths and weaknesses too. Haven't been there myself but I often hear that both the decor and the service can come off as stuffy. That said, they DO have a cheese cart that is shaped like a cow, and moos.

I echo others who say if you really want something spectacular, arrange ahead of time for the chef to create a special menu. You could center it around favorite wines, or favorite ingredients, or let them go wild. I have no idea what something like this costs, but it sounds like you're willing to invest in making the evening memorable.