We'll be in NYC in early December, and are looking for a fabulous place for dinner, near Lincoln Center, to celebrate my significant other's birthday. Where would you go? We like everything, and are willing to pay for a very special meal.

There are so many great restaurants in NYC. What kind of food and atmosphere does he like? Why does it have to be near Lincoln Center?

Near Lincoln Center because we'r going to the Met Opera afterward, and won't have time to go to other areas of the city. All ethnicities are good-- we've been to Lupo, Esca, 11 Madison, Bolo, Palio (the expensive ones), and to Puglia, Rain and other less costly ones. We don't like tasting menus such as those offered by Thomas Keller. A $30 spoonful of picture perfect food is just plain ridiculous. Is Rosa Mexicano a viable choice?

I so agree about Thomas Keller - I once spent $1,400 for lunch for 4 at Per Se :eek: But there are other good restaurants in the Time Warner Center. Porterhouse New York (chef Michael Lamonico from Windows on the World), Mesa (excellent, but makes Per Se look cheap), and Landmarc (french/american bistro)

Anyway, Rosa Mexicana is across the street from Lincoln Center on the corner of 62nd Street. Great upscale, fun Mexican.

Jeffrey Chodorow (Asian de Cuba, China Grill, Ono, Kobe Club, etc) is about to open a steak house in the Empire Hotel (63rd Street) called Center Cut.

Café Des Artiste is an old school classic french on 67th Street

Picholine on 64th Street

Compass on 70th Street

Thanks. I didn't know about Chodorow at the Empire. I'm thinking of staying there. I can't give you any more positive feedback until I give some to somebody else first. Or so the pop-up says.

So, I have a client in town who is staying at the Empire. I met him there for a drink last night. The hotel is beautiful. I would highly recommend you staying there.

Thanks.! And thank you for remembering me and my question. I do think that this is where I will go. I read a little about Chodorow's upcoming new venture--not terribly positive expectations. We'll probably go to Picholine, Dovetail, or Rosa.