7 replies to this topic

[Marks]

My wife and two sons(19 and 22) will be up in Manhatten for a wedding that weekend. Friday night we are looking for something good, close to Union Square as we'll be staying at the W and that metas the needs of my two boys whom primarily eat chicken, steak and pasta. The wedding is at Craft the next night and I'd rather not spend $$$$ at a steakhouse. Lots of recommendations like Hearth would work for me but my sons would not be happy. I thought I'd ask the board before we throw darts between Mesa Grill and 5 Napkin. BTW-That Friday night is our wedding anniversary as well! Little Italy or Village could be great but where.

Thanks in advance

Mark

[Steve R.]

Maialino would be a good place for meats, pasta & celebration and is very close to you... it'd probably be my first suggestion. Hill Country would be good for meats, meats, chicken (I really love their chicken), meats and beers. I know D.C. now has one but... Blue Smoke would be close to you and have more variety but I like it less. And we ate at Mesa Grill this year, finding it ehh. Others love it so who knows. I only needed one napkin at 5 Napkin the one time I was dragged there by friends... enough said. Little Italy would be good for extracting most of what's in your wallet without getting anything worthwhile. Although I do remember the back outdoor area at Da Nico's fondly enough to not totally warn folks away... just be careful not to get upsold on "specials" where price is not quoted & don't expect Del Posto.

You are also far enough in advance to go on OpenTable next week and see what else you can get.

And I know you ruled out steakhouses but... have you ever been to Keens? http://www.keens.com/ The "mutton chops" and the prime rib would probably ensure that your boys will willingly take care of you in your old age.

[Marks]

Thanks.. I'll get on it. I was at Del Posto the last time in NY, it was great and i was really glad my nephew(whose wedding it is) treated. My sons love Hill country but my wife might shoot me. I'll look at Maialino.

[weinoo]

What he said.

And - if they love Hill Country, then you should definitely think about Blue Smoke - your wife might not shoot you there.

It's certainly far enough in advance (I don't think they take ressies till 4 weeks out) but how about Lupa? Great pastas, chicken and meat on the menu too, and the latest report from a friend who dined there this past weekend was that it was (still) great.

Union Square Cafe is still around and still good.

[bookluvingbabe]

I have a friend who adores Mesa Grill. I haven't been but I trust her judgement.

Union Square Cafe or Blue Smoke would be my first two choices. (Since you shot down Hearth and Craft...)

Good luck!

[weinoo]

I don't think Marks "shot down" Craft - that's where the wedding is, so why go there two nights in a row?

Mesa Grill has seen better days - 10 years ago. Now, if Bobby was to reopen Bolo...

[Marks]

Blue Smoke and Maialino are both looking great, have to wait a few days until reservations are available on opentable. I thank everyone in advance.

Like I said, my sons have limited palates. Even Maialino will seem adventuresome to them.

[weinoo]

Maybe you should leave your sons to check out the "scenery" at the W, and go enjoy an anniversary dinner for the two of you? In that case, Gramercy Tavern.