I know this may sound crazy to all the people posting opinions about letting him enjoy his 21st birthday with his college friends, but you do realize that gt said her son's birthday is in JUNE! right? I mean, the only way he would celebrate his 21st in college would be if he attended summer classes, and then by then any form of a break would be welcome.
As somebody that just had their 21st birthday two weeks ago I have to say this would be the perfect present. In fact my parents sent me and my best friend from school to Daniel for my 20th birthday and it was a wonderful gift. I would also love to go with my parents for another occasion.
Some of my favorite meals I have had recently have been at Mario Batali's restaurants. Babbo would be my top recommendation. Great restaurant and I had a wonderful bottle of wine that was only $30 so you don't have to break the bank. They have a la carte and tasting menus with wine pairings available so you have options. I had the pasta tasting menu which I loved, and I believe was 69/ person. Another option if you are looking a little less expensive is Del Posto Enoteca, another Batali restaurant, that has a smaller tasting menu for 45/ person.
Outside of Batali, I like Blue Hill. Jewel Bako is another amazing place, though I don't know if I would put it in the same category as Babbo and Blue Hill. If you can get in Momofuku Ko is new, trendy and well reviewed which could fit all of your needs. However, there are only 12 seats and they only take reservations online a week in advance. If you are already planning now you might not appreciate the uncertainty. Finally, Per Se would always be a wonderful option. I have never been but I have been trying to convince various family members to take me there for a while!
I might also recommend not going on his birthday, since I did appreciate the chance to spend the evening with friends. That said, any other night I think this would make a wonderful birthday present that you will be sure to remember. Also, I loved jonfoxx's idea of giving him the chef's cookbook at the end.
Good luck and enjoy your meal!
Personally, I think your idea is lovely. My own son, who is only 16 at present, would absolutely DIE to be taken to a really nice restaurant, even now. He loves to travel, loves food, loves new experiences, and, although it's not exactly cool, he's confident enough in himself to appreciate spending "adult" time with his "square" parents. That said...
I do not live in NYC, but I go there often, and usually with the primary objective of eating fine food.
Take him to Daniel. If you can get in at Per Se, and it's in the budget, go there. Consider Le Bernardin. And of course Babbo and Gramercy are both great, and might feel a bit less stuffy.
One other thought. Ask him to invite a "close friend" (e.g., girl/boyfriend, best friend, etc.). He'll appreciate it, and you'll probably get a kick out of spending time with him "in his culture" if you know what I mean.
Have a great time!!!
As a person who is turning 21 in August, and currently thinking about how I plan to celebrate with my family, I think it's very, very cool that you brought it up on Serious Eats.
I do wish people would hush about the hanging out thing. The bars don't get serious till 10, 11 or even 12. So dinner at 7.30 or eight would be lovely. Also, just because you're out for 21 doesn't mean you have to drink yourself ill.
It is interesting how my question brought up so many memories for many of you! I really appreciate what Mich23 wrote, too. Our son will be home from college and is into good food and cooking. We are looking for a way to celebrate the wonderful adult he has become, and since we have never gone to a great restaurant before this would be a special experience for us to share. (We are still allowed to do this, even though he is officially a grown up :-) Also, the exact day we do this doesn't matter.) Like Mich23, we care most about truly great food -- but we want to have fun and feel comfortable (so I don't think we want a place that's too "chic" or "stuck up" or that costs as much a the airfare to France...) All, please write back with any recommendations you can think of, re: those restaurant jewels that I wish I knew about! (P.S., Ed, where would you take your son on an occasion like this?) Thank you!
Mich23 has a great point about choices of restaurant. I've only been to Momfuku out of the 3 mentioned (sadly, no longer live in new york), but those pork buns were one of the most amazing dishes I've eaten. Ssam is another option, which might be more comfortable for you. Something skewed a little younger might possibly be up his alley, and then you have something great to do for his graduation dinner.
Just thoughts, is all.
I think he'll want to spend time with his friends on his birthday so I wouldn't call the dinner instead of going to bars with his friends. But, the tasting menu idea sounds great and if I were him, I would love it! Just see when works best for him.
Hillary
Chew on That
Tell him to be careful with his buddies and I am serious it's no joke.
To wit:
If he is interested in food, take him out. But you have to decide what is important- the experience, the food, the place, etc. My son is 32, and at 21 he appreciated great food, but was not interested in a "chic" place. In NYC, check out the places that are hip, and fabulous- Momofuku (Noodle Bar(no res, but spend quality time waiting) Jewel Bako(LES) Little Owl(cool) , or go to Brooklyn to Saul or the Grocery. You deserve to spend time with your son on his birthday, he will find his own time to party with his friends.
Go sky diving together, far more memorable IMO
Is there a reason he/you all have to get drunk and or feel the need for inibreation at all?
Is that considered a requisite to a *celebration*? It just wouldn't be a celebration without alcohol?
Why be shy go whole hog and get some strippers to! Lap dances all around!
Wow. So much for thinking out of the box.
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