After Per Se, where do we go?

Every December I am in charge of dining arrangements for our group of about 10-14 people. It%26#39;s difficult because we are a large group. We have dined at Alaine Ducasse, Daniel, Jean-George and last year the private dining room at Per Se. This year I would like to find a fabulous spot. Possibly downtown. Won%26#39;t rule out any location, though. I need something new and hot with top rated food and atmosphere. I need to wow them. We are sophisticated - not a touristy type group and we like to have fun. I%26#39;ve even considered a privately catered dinner in a cool location. James Beard House? I need help ... please!

Thanks,

After Per Se, where do we go?

I%26#39;d go for the private, catered dinner - a lot of WOW factor there, I know I%26#39;d be impressed!

Poppa

After Per Se, where do we go?

L鈥橝telier de Jo毛l Robuchon at the Four Seasons on E57 St.

';After Per Se, where do we go?';

To your loan officer?

You%26#39;re right, but I laughed all the way to the ATM - I didn%26#39;t have to pay the check!

eleven madison park is getting a lot of buzz on foodie forums (chowhound, egullet, etc), and does a nice looking-tasting menu. we%26#39;re there this weekend so fingers crossed it%26#39;s great!

Gordon Ramsey is excellent.uptown in the London

Atelier de joel Robochun excellent choice-they may have a private room-although not downtown.Formal and fun at the same time.Table dining is much nicer than sitting at the bar.IMHO

Eleven Madison has a private room otherwise the food is good atmosphere ok,but does not compare to the other restaurants listed.

Bouley -in the private room will be amazing

Del Posto-Fun and upscale but does not compare with Per Se.Formal dining but the food is just ok not great.People do like it though.

Ciprihani uptown-Fun and Formal

WD50-very informal with very creative chef.They have a private room. that is very nice.Obviously more casual but if you are foodies it will be great.

Scaleni fedelli-downtown,upscale formal Italian-they have a private room.

PM me if you have any questions

Alinea - in Chicago

doesnt compare to Per Se, but I%26#39;m going back for the tour!

Le Bernardin

Although I am a true american cuisine person who enjoys nothing more than a top quality and excellent prepared porterhouse, I will occasionally splurge and appreciate an exclusive fine dining experience.

That said, I would never patronize Per Se for a number of reasons. Regardless of the name and supposed genius behind it, the snotty attitude held by Keller just doesn%26#39;t justify the price. I worked with an excellent chef who was very familiar with him and had not a good word to say about his experiences with him. His assessment of Mr Keller was enough for me. Also, his take on his employees, particularily his front of house employees and his tipping policy doesn%26#39;t set well with me. His feeble attempt to %26#39;change%26#39; the tradition of tipping was laughable to say the least.

Although it did take two months to secure a reservation at Gordon Ramsey in the 45 seat dining room, it was well worth the wait and tremendous effort involved!! I attended on my birthday and a finer celebration I have not had.

Their meticulously prepared and presented product was superior, and although there were items on the 7 course menu we had that are ';fine dining basics';, he did manage to put an updated and unique twist on them.

The service was extremely professional and very well trained, and they offer a spectacular wine ';book';...the possibilities were endless!! The only thing that got to me was their policy of not being allowed to be even one minute late to your reservation time.

In speaking with the maitre%26#39;d, he didn%26#39;t say large groups were not possible, but instead didn%26#39;t encourage them either.

Look into it, if it is indeed possible for a large party, it is a great place!!

We will be dining at Amalia in The Dream Hotel on Saturday night as it is getting some good buzz now and will report back on our experience.

Tomsoc - here%26#39;s the Michelin 2007 starred-restaurant list for 2007. As you already know you will have to arrange for such a large group with a staff member.

www.michelinguide.com/stars_nyc_07.html

Del Posto is downtown, in the ';meatpacking'; district and is a fabulous setting with truly great food - extremely deserving of its 2 stars from Michelin. They will be able to accomodate you.

Just so you know, down the street from Del Posto is CraftSteak, and across the street is Morimoto - both of which are possibilities.

I%26#39;m not sure that Bouley will be able to handle that large of a crowd - but worth a call because it%26#39;s one of the true real French places still around.

I%26#39;m a huge fan of both Le Bernardin and Eleven Madison Park - my personal choice would be EMP - beautiful rooms, great location across from Madison Square Park and one of the best chef%26#39;s currently working ion the city.

Good luck in your search