Sorry another NYC restaurant Q - splurge

[sa]

My birthday is right around the corner and my family has been asking me what I'd like.  There really isn't anything I need or want right now, but I love getting restaurant gift certificates.

I'd love to go all out; some place we wouldn't normally go on our own.  My mom's asking for a list, so where should I suggest?

We've already visited Le Bernardin and Gramercy Tavern, where should we indulge next?

One thing I should mention - I have some food restrictions at the moment, so I have to choose a place that will accommodate me to some degree.  Thanks.

[genet313]

what kind of restrictions?  

Per Se is the ultimate, traditional "splurge" in NYC, but I can't recommend since I've never been.  But my other preferences would be Eleven Madison Park or Bouley.  Or, for a twist, maybe Sushi Yasuda?  Also, it's not a splurge, but I love going to Babbo - the service is great and the food is yummy and somehow I always have a great night out whenever we go there.

[v]

I have not been, but if you can do sushi, what about Sushi Nakazawa?

[Deleted]

Eleven Madison Park, Daniel, Blue Hill, Gotham Bar & Grill, NoMad

ETA: Re: food restrictions, I went to Daniel as a pregnant pescatarian and they had no problem accommodating me. I had plenty to eat!

[sa]

Sorry for not responding sooner, had a call with my boss.

My restrictions are basically no undercooked fish or meat, no cured meats and no unpasteurized cheeses.

I was considering Eleven Madison Park - it does look like they will be accommodating, which is a major plus. I also thought of WD-50, but thought that my chances of getting in would be slim.

I also considered Per Se, but wasn't sure if they were accommodating, can't reach the site right now.

I forgot about Daniel. That's definitely a good option too.

[notoriousmeg]

Gotham Bar & Grill, Marea (stupidly expensive but delicious fish), Morimoto, Laconda Verde

[wanderlustfoodie]

Per Se is insanely accommodating about food restrictions. They almost relish in the challenge. And it's a great experience.

My perennial favorite is Jean-Georges.

After a big gap, I'd add the Modern, La Grenouille (very celebratory), Daniel, and EMP.

I love wd-50 but it's not what I'd consider "splurge" since it's pretty casual.

The other ones I'd recommend would likely not be accommodating or good for a group (since it sounds like you'll be going with your husband and parents?).

[sa]

I wasn't sure if most places would accommodate (I think they should at those prices!). I asked for no goat cheese during one course of the traditional tasting at Babbo and the waiter made such a big deal about it - we have to serve it, the chef doesn't want anyone to stray from the menu. I'm going to bring it out, but you don't have to eat it (geez, thanks). It was so ridiculous.

Thank you for all the recommendations. A lot of these had slipped my mind.

It'll just be my H and I, so I'll see which ones he prefers. I'll let you know what we decide.

[v]

Mario Batali restaurants are SO RIDICULOUS about straying from the menu/making accommodations for people!!!

[v]

Also, I'd mention the restrictions when you're making the reservation to make sure they can accommodate (that set of restrictions is common enough that I have to imagine most non-sushi places would have no problem working around them), and then I'd call a few days ahead of time to remind them/confirm. With advance notice they can prepare for your arrival.

newyork.seriouseats.com/2013/07/ask-the-critic-tasting-menu-food-allergies.html

[rikki]

Aug 22, 2014 11:07:39 GMT -5 sa said:

Sorry for not responding sooner, had a call with my boss.

My restrictions are basically no undercooked fish or meat, no cured meats and no unpasteurized cheeses.

I was considering Eleven Madison Park - it does look like they will be accommodating, which is a major plus. I also thought of WD-50, but thought that my chances of getting in would be slim.

I also considered Per Se, but wasn't sure if they were accommodating, can't reach the site right now.

I forgot about Daniel. That's definitely a good option too.

I went to eleven Madison park with my former inlaws, who eat nothing. They were very gracious with all their strange requests.

[wavepool]

Aug 22, 2014 12:08:46 GMT -5 v said:

Mario Batali restaurants are SO RIDICULOUS about straying from the menu/making accommodations for people!!!

This drives me crazy. You're in business to make money and customers spend more money when they're comfortable and pleased. Please your customers!! Yes, I think this should be within reason, but if someone is asking for something to be left off and not even to sub something else, just leave it off. They know they left it off, so they know they're missing an ingredient, which changes the overall flavor. 
Or, customers with allergies. They're allergic, so you should probably leave it off without going crazy on them.

[charlotteandwilbur]

I would do Eleven Madison Park for sure. Beyond amazing food and drink, it's very unique in terms of service. To give you an example-- one time I was there and the waiter overheard us talking about taking a train the next day, and he brought over a printout of the train schedule at the end of the meal. Another time we were there the sommelier made arrangements for us to visit a vineyard on an upcoming trip to Italy. The level of service is actually sort of unsettling, I think, but worth the experience.

And as much as I love the Babbo tasting menu, agree that they are not accommodating at all. We had friends actually get up and leave a celebratory meal they had arranged there because of issues around special requests.

[sa]

I think Eleven Madison Park is the front runner so far. Going to run it by H to see if he's on board. Thank you everyone.