American Express Membership Rewards - Platinum Fine Dining & "Hot Plates" NY

Anyone with positive, last minute experience getting reservations using Platinum concierge in NYC? Specifically thinking about Pastis, Asia de Cuba, and Spice Market (I know it's not listed, but interested to see if the "Concierge" has any pull here).

I'm thinking of ponying up for the card just to get into some decent places for dinner without booking 3 weeks ahead (or eating at 5:45 or 11:30).

Thanks!

They got me into Nobu a couple of years ago when it was a very hard to get into restaurant in NYC. Nice thing is that they take your details and work on the reservations you want you are not hassled with calling the restaurant yourself. Don't know if I would go out and get the Plat. card just for this but it is a very nice benefit that I use regularly.

Restaurant's who are part of the Amex Plat./Centurion "concierge system/fine dining program" generally save a couple of tables a night for Amex Plat./Centurion customers.

They are generally helpful, but don't expect miracles when trying to make a reservation for Friday at 8pm when calling on Friday at 6pm... lol.. Especially if it is a popular establishment (e.g., Daniel, etc.)

By the way, I would strongly recommend Daniel:

60 E. 65th Street (in-between Park and Madison avenues)
212 288-0033

I've never had that much trouble with Pastis or Asia de Cuba, BTW.

I've had good luck on a few occasions. The only time there was a problem is when I tried to get a table for 6. The agent called back and said that the restaurants generally only saved table(s) for four; if I had wanted a table for four, I could have had it.

Second that recommendation on Daniel, if you have the time .

I used Amex Platinum to get me into Spice Market at 8PM on Sunday with only two day's notice... but I think it may have been a matter of luck and a last-minute cancellation. But it worked!

Now the food was overrated, but that's another topic....

As a New Yorker, I've had mixed luck (usually poor, every once in a while success) getting into otherwise booked restaurants with the Plat fine dining service. Something I'd recommend you try first is opentable.com, a free service that most (not all) of the top restaurants belong to and that show the restaurants reservation book and allows you to book online. It won't show the one table that Plat fine dining has set aside, but I use it to see who has availablility for last minute reservations. I can basically check out the whole city in a few minutes,