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The Ten Most Recent Posts By gt240

From Talk

My son turns 21 this June: a special way to celebrate?

Posted by gt240, April 7, 2008 at 12:36 PM

My son turns 21 this June and we were thinking about a special way to celebrate. I was thinking about taking him to a really wonderful restaurant that has, perhaps, a tasting menu w/ good wines? (vs going out to a bar w/ his college friends....) We tend to live a modest, UWS-type life but fondly recall attending one party catered by Daniel years ago at which I truly came to understand the difference between the food we eat to live (though tasty) and food that is more than that: art. He has been cooking with his friends at school and think he will appreciate it. Suggestions? Where should we go? How would we arrange it? How much should this cost?

21 Comments

The Ten Most Recent Comments By gt240

From Talk

My son turns 21 this June: a special way to celebrate?

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!

gt240 at 7:51PM on 04/08/08

Responses to Comments by gt240

From Talk

My son turns 21 this June: a special way to celebrate?

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!

Rocky at 12:53AM on 04/14/08

From Talk

My son turns 21 this June: a special way to celebrate?

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!!!

LoCo at 11:46PM on 04/12/08

From Talk

My son turns 21 this June: a special way to celebrate?

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.

lovesomething at 10:40PM on 04/12/08