Where to take girlfriend for 23rd birthday? (Orient: how much, hotel)

[AF830]

Hello all,

I thought about making a reservation with a spirit line cruise or the new ship Bateaux, but not sure it's our 'scene.' The Bateaux seems like its catered to the older individual (we're 23) who likes jazz, wine, and formal attire. I'm sure she would like that, but not sure she would have the greatest time there.

Thought about a helicopter ride, but that is just outright too expensive for 15 minutes. I suppose my budget for the night is around $300.

Thanks.

[tommyc_37]

Originally Posted by AF830

Hello all,

I thought about making a reservation with a spirit line cruise or the new ship Bateaux, but not sure it's our 'scene.' The Bateaux seems like its catered to the older individual (we're 23) who likes jazz, wine, and formal attire. I'm sure she would like that, but not sure she would have the greatest time there.

Thought about a helicopter ride, but that is just outright too expensive for 15 minutes. I suppose my budget for the night is around $300.

Thanks.

Flute Midtown. Champagne bar. Get a private room/booth with a curtain. Thank me later

[AF830]

Seem's very nice. I still have to find a dinner place.

[AF830]

Anyone know any unique restaurants in NYC?

[tpk-nyc]

Can you be more specific? Are you looking for hip and trendy? Romantic? Formal/white-tablecloth?

How dressy? Do you want to wear a suit?

Type of cuisine?

[AF830]

Sure, to be more specific, I'm not looking to wear a suit or anything formal like that. I don't mind wearing a sports coat or dressy blazer as if I were going out to a club.

I'm open for something hip or romantic. If it's hip, I'll take her to the champagne bar suggested above (Flute) after dinner--seems very romantic. If it's romantic, I'll follow through the night that way. I'm just looking for ideas.

Cuisine: She isn't a big fan of seafood or anything exotic like Indian/Mediterranean; Italian, steakhouse, or Chinese is a safe bet.

Some possible ideas so far:
-The View (Marriot Marquis) -- skyline view of NYC at night looks super romantic, but VERY pricey and it seems people have said its not really worth the price.
-Ice skating @ Rockafeller
-Desert/Champagne @ Flute

I'm open to change these things so long as it fits under $300. I was going to do a dinner cruise like spirit or the new glass ship they have, but not sure if that's our crowd.

[tommyc_37]

FYI, Flute Midtown for after-dinner champagne is both romantic AND hip (it used to be a speakeasy, so it has a mystique and a cool ambience).

For dinner nearby the area, try Il Corso, it's an Italian place. OR, any of the steakhouses nearby (Morton's, The Palm, Ruth's Chris). Ruth's Chris in Midtown usually has nice live piano music...definitely romantic.

Midtown is kind of bland/sterile, but if I were you I'd dine in the area specifically to do after-dinner drinks at Flute Midtown (but you HAVE to reserve a private nook ahead of time).

[Cyclops99]

Asiate on like the 40th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel has a nice view as well if thats what you were looking for. I think there's another restaurant/bar in the hotel.

Other romantic restaurants you can check out, maybe Water's Edge in Queens, there's a free ferry that takes you there.
Also River Cafe...nice view there as well and waterfront dining

[AF830]

The Asiate looks nice as well. Feel like it's a toss up between The View and The Asiate. Both seem beautiful and super pricey, hah... Those are some good suggestions btw, thank you.

Please feel free to add more ideas!

[AF830]

Is there anyway to find out how expensive these places are? I read reviews and they all say "expensive" and some say around $40/plate (I assume for lunch) and others say over $50/plate, but how much over $50 am I talking? There's a big difference between $50/plate & $75-80/plate.