Her opinion matched my impressions of my meal there almost exactly. And my meal wasn't paid for, nor did the place know I was coming. Sure, it's a bit overpriced, but the meal was interesting, unusual and memorable. Although there were certainly some misses, the hits outnumbered them, and I'd rather have a really memorable meal with some duds than just another really good competent meal that didn't take any chances. Same goes for movies, music and many other forms of entertainment.

I hope you don't feel too alone here. I, too, quite enjoyed my meal there and found it though-provoking and delicious. I definitely think the price point is a little high. They certainly have high overhead and I'm sure their whole production (e.g. the cards, the waters, the service pieces) make it very tough for them to get the price into a more reasonable range. But if the menu were under $200, I don't think you'd see nearly the level of vitriol. Any time a place this ambitious (or pretentious to some) and expensive opens up, it polarizes people a lot and skews opinions. And places that seem overpriced tend to make people angry (sometimes even when they haven't ever gone there). I think we're seeing that here and in general. Neither the reviewers (positive or negative) nor the restaurant deserve the hate.

In addition to concurring with others who mentioned Empellon and Pampano, I'd also suggest you consider Suenos and Crema. I'm a bit surprised no one has mentioned those yet. On slightly more mid-scale level, Mercadito Grove and Hecho En Dumbo can be quite good. I don't like Toloache as much as some. Never bad, but I don't think the flavors are as sophisticated, memorable and well balanced as those at Suenos, Crema or Pampano.

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Toloache
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

Mercadito Grove
100 7th Ave S, New York, NY 10014

Crema
111 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

Suenos
311 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

Pampano
209 E 49th St, New York, NY 10017

Empellon Taqueria
230 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014

Mercadito
179 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

Completely agree with Sneakeater's assessment. I'd also add that while it's known more for the bone-in ribeye, Strip House does a pretty decent porterhouse for two as well.

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Strip House
13 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003

You'll be glad you went to Joe Beef, if you get a chance. As for the mental block, as a Manhattanite, I understand it well. Just tell him it's closer to you than the UES, LES, and E. Village;)

Very jealous that you're going back to the original. Definitely the best option. And if you have time, you could squeeze in a meal at Joe Beef, too! Once you're back, though, getting to M. Wells is actually much easier than you'd expect, even though it's officially in an outer borough. It's literally about 5 minutes from Manhattan by Subway (2 stops on the 7 train), so much closer to many parts, than the rest of Manhattan is. Enjoy your trip!

I haven't had any issue with the food at Peasant, although there are certainly MANY better places downtown for that style of Italian food these days. However, I have to agree that the service can be atrocious. I once had to wait an hour even though I had a reservation. And while I waited, there was never any apology, any offer of drink or snack, or any place to sit (as the bar was full). So we just literally stood in the middle of the area in front of the host stand for an hour. When I complained later, the host/manager snippily told me that maybe I should just not come back. I haven't.

If you're an APdC fan, you should head to M. Wells instead. That should hit the spot more.

Will pass it on.

Thanks!

A friend of mine is in Paris for a bit, and already has plans to visit some serious food destinations. However, he's looking for a place to go one night, that has a cool/hip vibe, with good food, and maybe a lounge kind of atmosphere with music, etc., that's open late-ish. Some place that's hot right now. Having not been to Paris for a few years, I thought I'd pick the brains of the eGulleters on his behalf. Your suggestions are appreciated.

p.s. Someone apparently recommended Bizart to him, and also downstairs at Spring, but I've never been to either, so couldn't confirm or deny whether it was an apt suggestion. Anyone?

If you're not hell bent on "modern" cuisine, you should check out Zalacain. It's very old school, and the food is lovely (at least as of a couple of years ago). Atmosphere is like the kind of place where your grandparents would have proposed.