Veritas, 43 E. 20th Street (Park), 212.353.3700. One of the best meals of my life (if not the best) (DEC99). I've also been to Jean Georges twice and think Veritas is better.

Peekytoe Crab Ravioli (fines herbs, tomato, lemon and shellfish emulsion). Roasted Sweetbreads (marinated shitakes, ginger and soy glaze) (normally wouldn't be into sweetbreads, but these were extraordinary). Seared Maine Diver Scallops (truffle chive potato puree, pea shoots and perigord black truffle vinaigrette).

My favorite dessert was the Maple Pot de Cr�me (with walnut biscotti).

The menu changes (luckily I've seen the scallops make repeat appearances on my three or four visits). The prix-fixe is about $70 plus wine/tax/tip. They have one of the widest selections of wine in the country, and the list can be found at their site: http://www.veritas-nyc.com/

Having dined at Jean Georges, this is high praise.

Veritas was always under-rated. I like it
over many other high profile restaurants in
the city.

Meal of my life in NYC was at Le Bernardin. I was most impressed by absolutely perfect service. I only hope that I can top that experience someday... (possibly Taillevant in Paris?)

I've had many memorable meals in NYC, at all types of restaurants ("dives" included!).

But the most memorable expensive meal was at Chanterelle a few years back. Everything just clicked: food, atmosphere, service, wine ... very expensive, but it was worth it.

My favorites are Le Bernardin, March, and Union Square Cafe. Food (and prices) at USC aren't at the same level of the other two, but it is always a great experience and superbly prepared for what it is (simpler New American).

Le Bernardin is good. It used to be very very good in its service, in the last two outings, we had to wait 10 minutes (even through we has reserved way in advance, and we were the first seating of the evening). Food continues to be consistently good.

Pleae, could you tell me what' the average price at Le Bernardin ? Just to wonder if I can afford trying it next time with one of my colleagues...
Thanks in advance

One of the former Jean George sous-chefs, Wylie Dufresne, has a fantastic restuarant with extremely interesting cuisine -- 71 Clinton Fresh Food. There are some aspects that may not appeal to everyone --it's tiny (think living room), trendy, and located in what might be called a transitional neighborhood on the lower east side -- but I think all of these things enhance the dining experience and best of all, it's not outrageously priced. Just a few weeks ago I saw the chef listed in one of the food magazines as one of the 10 best new chefs in North America.

Haven't been there in a long time, but I think the fixed price dinner is $75pp plus wine and dessert (and of course tax and tip..)

Including tax, tip, and a modest (for Bernardin) wine, you probably need to budget $130 - $200/per person at Ler Bernardin.

Le Bernadin has both a fixed price lunch and dinner. As in many great restaurants the lunch tends to be a bargain. It's about $40 and its the real Le Bernadin.

Approx $150-170/pp without wine & tip for dinner. There are Lunch specials and tasting menus.

My husband and a business client had a $500 tab for dinner for 2 at LeBernardin (including great wine and tip) about 6 months ago.....boy, did he have to explain that one to the corporate business manager, who said the IRS would never allow such a dinner.

By the way, he didn't have to explain it to his wife, who was not jealous once she found out the menu there consists mostly of seafood, veal and other dishes I would not eat.

[This message has been edited by flyerwife (edited 07-17-2001).]

Yes, the restaurant is known for its seafood.