Thank you for all the suggestions.. with what I read, I am also thinking Rogue Tomate.. any pointers, comments?

up to $150 per person, including the tip and tax.

I'd like to keep the budget around $125 - $150 pp. There will be four of us, and it's a surprise so I can't really ask where and what she wants to eat. But as a general rule, here favorites are Italian,American, Southern, and Asian (with no sea food - she can't east seafood..)

Taking my wife to NYC for her 40th, erm.. 30th.. :) no, seriously, though, I am looking for suggestions for a dinner spot that is worthy of the occasion. She is a chef on her right and appreciates the culinary world. So what I am looking for?...Great food, of course.. But, (you'll probably flame me for this) the most important thing is the experience and the service..for that night. Becasue if we get pushed around, mistreated, kept waiting, etc, etc..all the mood will be gone and even the best of the dish from the most sought-after chef will be of no consequence. Thanks in advance.