Bday dinner Saturday

Today I hit the big 4-0. Saturday night the man wants to take me out for a fabulous dinner.
I DO love French food so we were toying with Le Relais or the place in New Albany. Another idea that popped up was 610 Magnolia.

If you were being treated to a great meal for your bday, and you wanted it to be a great experience not just dinner, where would YOU go??

Le Relais is very romantic and it would be my first pick. But, if you haven't been to Proof, it's very hip, very not Louisville feel, great cocktails and the museum! We went there for our Anniversary on NY Day and sat at one on the banquette tables. It too was romantic and fun.

Meant to say, I've not been to 610 and it's a tasting menu only so that keeps me away.

If you check prior threads, while Le Relais is romantic, the reviews have been mixed lately.

The most romantic place in town by a lot is Buck's, no question at all. Food gets an A-/B+, romance gets an A+, but it's not "French" per se.

610 is a tasting menu, but think of it as a multi-course dinner. Check out it's web page - four courses for $XXX. After the tv show, it'll be an experience, and it's a fun place.

More formal, with wonderful food, try the Seelbach (or Brown) - great food, old-time dark paneled room, good atmosphere.

Are you really stuck on French?????

We eat at Le Relais regularly and if anything the food is better than it has been in quite some time. IMO they've stepped their game up substantially. I recommend without hesitation.

Also 211 Clover Lane, while not strictly French, has a country French feel and menu style. Excellent food, quiet enough to have a good conversation. One of our favorites.

We'll have to disagree on Buck's - nice atmosphere but pedestrian food IMO (I have not been in the last 3 years - things may have changed.). YMMV

[Robin Garr]

Happy birthday, Trisha!

I think you'd be perfectly happy with either 610 Magnolia or Le Relais for the combination of romance and fine food. Both of them always make my top five.

I kind of agree with Mark about Buck's. Certainly the romantic scene is there, but the food is not on the same level as the city's top spots. And even without having made it over to Louis the Frenchman in NA yet, I think I'd give Le Relais the nod for a birthday celebration.

I'm with Mark- 211 is a personal favorite for these kind of events. You will leave feeling quite special.

610 and Le Relais are two seriously romantic spots, and I've had consistently stellar food at both. You cannot go wrong. However, if you decide on 610, I would call now for a reservation. It's a tough ticket lately.

No, not STUCK on French food, it's just a fav. Good Italian always makes me happy too. I just want something really nice.

No, not STUCK on French food, it's just a fav. Good Italian always makes me happy too. I just want something really nice.

Read Robin's review of Volare . . . top Italian, great atmosphere, perhaps a tad noisy (which appeals to us, but many find annoying) but - along with 610 or the Seelbach - you can't go wrong. As stated by Antonia, I'd get reservations wherever ASAP!

(and - check on-line . . . all the menus are there on the restaurants' web pages, and it will give you a good idea as to what you'd like best)

Well....no 610 for me. They are completely booked this weekend.

Well....no 610 for me. They are completely booked this weekend.

2-3 weeks lead time is usually required since all the exposure on Top Chef.

Happy Birthday!

Have you been to Corbetts? We did a tasting menu with wine pairings for an anniversary and it was perfect. They tucked us in a cozy banqette (sp) and the atmosphere was great. Perfectly paced and great food.

Another anniversary we spent at Rivue. Cocktails in the lounge the and then table on the outside of the revolving area for dinner, really pretty, ever changing view! AND the candy cart after dinner!

Limestone is always a nice choice as well, tho maybe not terribly romantic.

It is not French or Italian, but our go to place for a celebratory dinner is Corbett's. Amazing food and amazing service.

Some other places to consider besides the ones already mentioned:

Varenese is really consistently been a favorite of ours and the specials they have been running lately are all interesting. It can get loud in there though, but other than that, I highly reccomend.

I also can't say enough about what Chef Dallas and the staff at Theater Square Marketplace have been up to lately either. Food and service are both fantastic and we realy like the atmosphere as well. Ask for Matt to be your server when you make your reservation and you will be in excellent hands for your special evening.

And last but not least, Gary's on Spring has been on our go-to list lately as well. The seating is cozy bistro style but comfortable. Great food from Chef Harold and staff and service is effortless and un-intrusive.