Convivio June 21, 2010

My Take:
Pasta, pasta, pasta.  That’s what I enjoy most at Convivio, which is hands-down one of the best restaurants in Manhattan.  I also love the chicken-liver crostini with caramelized onions.  A welcoming staff and interesting Italian wine list that changes regularly keeps it interesting, but disappointment may set in when you’ve finally found a Trebbiano di Toscana that compliments the food well, on a warm summer night, and it is no longer offered.

Facts:
Convivio is an elegant rustic-style Southern Italian restaurant rich in flavor, demonstrating a passion for quality ingredients.

Location: Tudor City, East Midtown, Manhattan
45 Tudor Place (42nd Street, b/t 1st & 2nd Avenues)

Contact: Adrienne Summa, Event Coordinator or Carolyn DeFir
212.599.5045 ~ www.convivionyc.com

Restauranteur:  Chris Cannon
Executive Chef:  Michael White
Sommelier:  Levi Dalton
Executive Pastry Chef:  Heather Bertinetti

Reviews / Awards:
Zagat:  26 Food / 23 Decor / 24 Service, out of 30
Michelin: 1 Star, out of 3
New York Times:  3 Stars, out of 4
New York Magazine: 3 Stars, out of 5, Critics’ Pick

Figures:
Capacity:  25 people 1/2 space, 50 people full space
Monday – Thursday:  Minimum $2,500 1/2 space, $5,000 full space
Friday – Saturday:  Minimum $3,500 1/2 space, $7,000 full space
Sunday:  Minimum $1,500 1/2 space, $3,000 full space

$62 per person four-course dinner with two choices per course.  A 20% gratuity and 8.875% tax are additional.  50% non-refundable deposit is required at time of booking.

Pros:
The event area is on the balcony level within the restaurant.  There are plenty of windows, so ample natural light.

Cons:
The room is semi-private, sectioned off with curtains and not sound proof.

Disclosures:
I have dined here on two occasions and they were both quite memorable.

Convivio Balcony_Photo by Melissa Hom_Max 50

Do you have comments or suggestions?  Please share all constructive feedback regarding this post in the comments.

The Modern June 15, 2010

Facts:
The Modern is part of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG).  It raises museum dining to a whole new level and creates a destination beyond the artwork.  This beautifully designed fine-dining restaurant features wonderful French-New American cuisine and an extensive International wine list.

Location: The Museum of Modern Art, Midtown West, Manhattan
9 West 53rd Street (b/t 5th and 6th Avenues)

Contact:  Heather Whitney, Director of Special Events
212.408.6641 ~ www.themodernnyc.com

Restauranteur:  Danny Meyer
Executive Chef:  Gabriel Kreuther
Pastry Chef:  Marc Aumont
Wine Director:  Belinda Chang
Designer:  Bentel & Bentel

Reviews / Awards:
Zagat ~ 26 Food / 26 Decor / 25 Service out of 30
New York Times ~ 2 out of 4 Stars
New York Magazine ~ Critics’ Pick

Figures:
There is one private room at the rear right-hand corner of the restaurant.  It holds 80 guests for a reception and 64 for a seated function.  It may be divided in half, reducing the capacity to 30 and 24 respectively.  Minimum food and beverage guarantees for lunch are $1,500 for half the space and $2,500 for the entire space at which time you may select a three or four-course menu for $65 or $75 respectively.  At dinner time, there is a minimum food and beverage guarantee of $2,500 for each half of the space.  Dinner menus range from $150 for a three-course menu to $190 for six courses.  Additional options, such as the signature cheese course are available at extra charge as are beverages.  Gratuities are an additional 20% and taxes are 8.875%.

Pros:
The room is completely private. It overlooks the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden and has lots of natural light.

Cons:
The room is quite plain and needs decor / florals.  It is also quite large, so not suitable for smaller dinners.

Disclosures:
I had a wonderful dining experience years ago as the guest of MOMA’s Director of Special Events.  I have used USHG Catering on numerous occasions with great success.  I have enjoyed cocktails and meals in the Modern Bar on several occasions with friends.

Comments:
The room lacks the buzz of the restaurant and bar area, so bring your own party.  Danny Meyer’s restaurants all have outstanding food, service and attention to detail.

The Modern Private Dining Room Max 64