Good place for dinner on Christmas Eve with mom

jizewggaz

My mom's bday is Dec. 24th. We're going out to dinner and bringing a friend or two.

Any suggestions for a good place in Manhattan....downtown (village, soho, tribeca)? something french, italian, american....

price is not an object (within reason), but we don't want someplace terribly stuffy.

we had a great meal at Bridge Cafe last year, but want to do something different.

shishkab

does it have to be manhattan?

it's not fancy, but the loveliest french meal i have had recently was at ici in fort greene.

pinkbeams

I think it will be in Manhattan because I have Manhattan friend(s) joining.

I'm thinking maybe Capsouto Freres:

http://www.menutopia.com/GetMenu.m?vendorId=3299&RestaurantName=Capsouto Freres&Market=Manhattan#dinner

opossumqueen

I really like Khyber Pass on St. Marks between 2/3 Aves. Good food, good atmosphere, not too pricey.

Afgani food. We've taken foodies there a few times and everyone has always been happy. Last time I ordered one of the specials that sounded fairly common--chicken with onion and peppers--but the seasoning was amazing.

pslopeslob

thanks, but Afghani food won't work for everybody....we need to stick to the basics - French, Italian, American, etc.

livetotravel

Well, depending on where you want to go, reservations may be tough - I have one for Lupa but made it weeks ago.

Capsouto Freres is wonderful though.

Here's an idea what's available through opentable.com
http://tinyurl.com/3yzyxm

Saul in Boerum Hill has Feast of the Seven Fishes which is well worth the schlep from Manhattan for your friends. Esca in Manhattan will also be serving a similar menu.

ekp87

I couldn't get Capsouto Freres, so I'm going to Duane Park Cafe (unless I come up with something better).

One of the other key things for my mom is that she hates loud places.....not so much people, but loud music.

livetotravel

that's an interesting choice - I haven't been for over 2 years (went soon after Bruni re-reviewed) - still remember the tuna tartare - yummy. And I love that neighborhood (and Bouley and Danube across the street)

vanillasativa

I haven't been in a few years.

Interesting, why?

From what I remember, the food was good, service was good, it's not too loud, it's relatively conveniently located

livetotravel

Interesting because it's a good NYCish bistro that has survived in the middle of some of THE glam restaurants in the city - the ones I mentioned plus Megu, Nobu etc. - I respect that kind of staying power. It's very unassuming, simple interior, quiet for sure, and really good food.

wittygal

totally agreed. it doesn't get a lot of attention, and that might be a good thing......I have only been 2x and both were very good.