Recommendations for $75 per person?

[paulraphael]

(including a bottle of wine)

My girlfriend and I got a present ... $150 to dine anywhere.

We'd be interested in a place that serves interesting, at least somewhat contemporary food, with roots either in france of california (but we're open to some kind of asian fusion). Good value and fun, unpretentious surroundings are a plus.

Broad question, I know. Just curious what ideas people throw our way. There seem to be more nuanced oppinions here than in Zagat and Michelin.

[Mayur]

$75 a head will buy you an excellent bottle of booze and a LOT of insanely good food at Momofuku Ssam Bar, but the food is certainly not rooted in France or California (other than emphasis on technique and creativity). But it is a fun time!

Another option would be to do Jean-Georges or Perry Street at lunch. Blue Hill is also manageable at that price if you order a la carte. The atmosphere at all those places is more sober than "fun," though.

[EDIT: Another option is Landmarc. Assuming about $60 a head for food, you'll get a $30 bottle of wine that would cost you $90 elsewhere. The food is quite good, also.]

Edited January 28, 2007 by Mayur (log)

[Megan Blocker]

Degustation seems a good choice...French/Spanish influence, $50 tasting menu - I've actually never done the prix fixe and have still made it out at about $75/head.

The Bar Room at The Modern is also an excellent option (French there - Alsatian chef, and I had the FANTASTIC tarte flambee just this past Thursday).

[Luckylies]

Degustation seems a good choice...French/Spanish influence, $50 tasting menu - I've actually never done the prix fixe and have still made it out at about $75/head.

The Bar Room at The Modern is also an excellent option (French there - Alsatian chef, and I had the FANTASTIC tarte flambee just this past Thursday).

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I agree. I think this is the most value-added suggestion. You get an intimate settting, great food, wonderful surroundings, and the feeling of adventure. This was the first place that came to my mind.

[paulraphael]

I agree. I think this is the most value-added suggestion. You get an intimate settting, great food, wonderful surroundings, and the feeling of adventure. This was the first place that came to my mind.

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which? Degustation, or the bar at the Modern?

[Nathan]

I second all of the recommendations above.

[BryanZ]

I think Luckylies was referring to Degustation. At least that's how I'd describe it. If you're willing to trade scene for a more intimate dining experience, I'd say between those two Degustation is the way to go. All the other recommendations are good, too.

[paulraphael]

I think our pending plan is Degustation followed by Chickalicious!

Thanks for all the suggestions.

[BryanZ]

Please go to R4D instead.