Feature

Table Discussion

Where can you get a table-for-two at 8 p.m. on a day's notice? We tried our luck at our restaurant critic's recently reviewed hot (or-not-so-hot) spots to investigate.

By E. J. Samson
Published Jul 11, 2006

Sfoglia
Adam Platt says: "Tiny, low-key Sfoglia makes a big impression."
Rings: Zero; sent straight to voicemail (reservations not accepted via voicemail)

Mr. Chow Tribeca No Stars
Adam Platt says: "The new Tribeca outpost of the famed Mr. Chow empire is for loyal fans only."
Rings: 2
Time on Hold: 30 seconds
Availability at 8?: No ("We're completely booked.")
Next available: 9:30pm
Recommendation: Book at least a week in advance.

Craftsteak
Adam Platt says: "Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak is big and snazzy, but the beef doesn’t quite measure up."
Rings: 1
Availability at 8?: No
Next available: 6:15pm or 9:30pm
Recommendation: Book one week in advance.

Quality Meats
Adam Platt says: "Quality Meats reengineers the formula, with medium success."
Rings: 2
Availability at 8?: No
Next available: 8:15pm

Dona
Adam Platt says: "Donatella Arpaia brings first-rate food, and a woman’s touch, to high New York dining."
Rings: 1
Hold Time: 1 minute, 30 seconds
Availability at 8?: No
Next available: 8:30pm

Café d’Alsace
Adam Platt says: "Café d’Alsace is a worthy neighborhood bistro."
Rings: 1
Availability at 8?: No
Next available: 8:45pm
Recommendation: "It's hard to say."

Sascha No Stars
Adam Platt says: "Chef and co-owner, Sascha Lyon, attempts, with varying degrees of success, to directly channel the fake-brasserie template."
Rings: Zero
Availability at 8?: No; hosting a private party; could either make a reservation after 9pm or eat downstairs at on a first come first served basis
Recommendation: Anytime ("Normally you'd have no problem.")

A Voce
Adam Platt says: "Unless...you’re a devout Daniel Boulud fan, it’s difficult to be disappointed with any of this food. But...it’s hard to get too excited, either."
Rings: 1
Availability at 8?: No
Next available: 9:45pm
Recommendation: "Two to three there's some flexibility; three weeks there's ample time; two, you're pushing it."

Buddakan
Adam Platt says: "The hyped-up, high-tone atmosphere...did nothing to detract from the quality of my meals."
Rings: 1
Hold Time: 7 seconds
Availability at 8?: no
Next available: 5:30pm or 10:30pm
Recommendation: Three weeks to a month in advance.

Philippe No Stars
Adam Platt says: "As good as your local takeout joint but not worth the extravagant price."
Rings: 2
Hold Time: 12 seconds
Availability at 8?: Yes