I've been assigned to find restaurants for next months NY Wine Experience...we'll have 8 people, corkage would be great or at least a good wine list. Not formal (so forget about Daniel, Per Se etc...). Anywhere would be good.

I grew up in the Village, but don't go back much anymore. I've been to Babbo a couple times (fun place, but food is really not that great...seems to be coasting), don't like Bobby Flay's places (never had a great meal at Bolo or Mesa Grill).

They want Italian and Steak - Luger's is an option (tho wine list is abysmal)...how about BLT Steak?

How about Italian - forget about Il Mulino (last time they made my friends wait 45 minutes - they walked out and went to Balthazar).

Any reccos would be great.

Thanks and see you there.

What about the Palm? It satisfies both requirements, sort of. The Italian food on the menu is not the most sophisticated or innovative, but I have always been happy with the steaks. Despite the "its a chain" response I will no doubt get to this suggestion, it is still family owned.

Chain or family owned doesn't make a difference. Their steaks fall far short of Peter Luger's, very far short. The Palm and Morton's are the two worst big name places for steak.

I have ZERO afflitiation but might I recommend Uncle Jack's steak house. 2 locations (midtwon around corner from MSG, other on Bell Blvd in Queens. Awesome food and service, wine list is solid but a bit pricey. Corkage is allowed. If oing on week day you might get corkage fee waived. Get the citrus salad, crab cake appetizer and kobe filet if your going all out.

I'll second Uncle Jack's. They also have the best selction of oysters I've found.

Pearl's Oyster Bar in Soho. Great seafood, wine list is ABC.

Sparks is probably the best steak house restaurant in NYC.They allow BYO and have a excellent wine list.So much better than Lugers in every way.

except for the steak

I've had pretty good luck with late night dining at Otto and Casa Mono, both owned by Mario Batali. Otto is very large and easier to get into.

Thanks for the reccos...

Think I will pass on the Batali places...I'm getting the distinct impression that he is more interested in being a rock star/celebrity chef than serving great food. My experience at Osteria Mozza in LA was quite mediocre too.

OK...we've decided:

Balthazar first night
Lupa second...is AMA any good, BTW?
BD Moderne Bistro third night, with Lugers/Del Frisco as potential?

Thinking about the Modern instead of DB...comments?

Thanks

I agree with B-O and DD ... that Uncle Jacks is one of the best steakhouses I've been to in ny.

Spot on service, attentive, and the food is also incredible.

We're going to NYC Wine Experience, too. Some friends booked us a table at a place called Il Nido for a late dinner that Friday.

Anyone ever eaten there?

Thanks,

Otis

Hi,

Might I recommend Dylan Prime for steak. Absoultely fantastic and a nice wine list. Never had a bad meal there and for desert one must try their pie/caketinis. Absoultely fabulous. The side dishes are outstanding as well. Can't say enough good things about this restaurant.

The next steak place I would recommend woudl be BLT on 57th st.

I would not recommend Babbo. Ate there and very disappointed.

Actualy I was not impressed with Daniel either have had better.

One really good place is La Goulue on Madison at 67 - 68th street. French bristo, the cheese souffle is outstanding. I actually prefer this one to Balthazar. They have a great steak frites

italin - how about Del Posto, also in the Batelli chain like Lupa.