"PE worthy" Restaurant

Next week I am having dinner with a gentleman that is on the board of one of the largest tech companies in the world and also on the board of a major PE firm. He had his assistant tell me that "my first test in PE is to find a cool place to have dinner."

Where is a good place in Manhattan that is considered PE worthy?

Thanks!

 

I dont think the guy is looking for something "PE Worthy", IMHO.

I think he is looking for something more relaxed and chill with a pretty cool atmosphere. I highly highly doubt a guy is going to be expecting you to take him to a chic $100 a plate restaurant. I have not heard of a test like this before, so I am assuming the guy is pretty down to earth. Get some information about the guy - where did he go to school, is he a big fan of XYZ sports team, etc. If I found out the guy was a big time fan of Cardinals baseball, I would take him to a Cards bar in the city to watch the game and hang out.

I could be COMPLETELY off base here, but with the information you are giving and how I have not personally heard of a test like this, I am thinking that the guy is looking for something casual and fun. He goes to uptight $100 plate restaurants all the time. Be unique.

 
Best Response
Nobama88:
I dont think the guy is looking for something "PE Worthy", IMHO.

I think he is looking for something more relaxed and chill with a pretty cool atmosphere. I highly highly doubt a guy is going to be expecting you to take him to a chic $100 a plate restaurant. I have not heard of a test like this before, so I am assuming the guy is pretty down to earth. Get some information about the guy - where did he go to school, is he a big fan of XYZ sports team, etc. If I found out the guy was a big time fan of Cardinals baseball, I would take him to a Cards bar in the city to watch the game and hang out.

I could be COMPLETELY off base here, but with the information you are giving and how I have not personally heard of a test like this, I am thinking that the guy is looking for something casual and fun.

Agree with this analysis. You should be looking for a fun, cool place - not a crazy expensive/swanky place.
- Capt K - "Prestige is like a powerful magnet that warps even your beliefs about what you enjoy. If you want to make ambitious people waste their time on errands, bait the hook with prestige." - Paul Graham
 

I say go with something nice and respectable. You can't go wrong with Danny Meyer Joints (Union Square Cafe always comes to mind no matter how overplayed it may be) for good food and good wine. I personally think Eleven Madison Park is a little overrated, but that's just me. There's always looking to Zagats or New York Magazine.

 

While all the ideas posted here at good, I think you can find a really good place that is not mainstream - which it sounds like this is what he is asking for. If he is as high profile as you are saying, it should not be difficult to ballpark his interests and then find a really good place to eat, as NYC is loaded with these. I am sure this guy has been to every top restaurant in the city, so highly doubt he is expecting this from you.

"Jesus, he's like a gremlin; comes with instructions and shit"
 
TechBanking:
If you want to do something different that is cool, try La Esquina or Mayahuel.

Those are definitely cool but may be a little "divey" in this context. For example I'd go Death and Co>Mayahuel (Mayahuel's bartender was at Death and Co before he founded it, much "slicker" feel).

There have been many great comebacks throughout history. Jesus was dead but then came back as an all-powerful God-Zombie.
 
Kenny_Powers_CFA:
TechBanking:
If you want to do something different that is cool, try La Esquina or Mayahuel.

Those are definitely cool but may be a little "divey" in this context. For example I'd go Death and Co>Mayahuel (Mayahuel's bartender was at Death and Co before he founded it, much "slicker" feel).

I wouldn't say the downstairs at La Esquina is divey. Good call on Death & Co.

 

Thanks to all for the tips and ideas! I decided to go with Quality Meats based on a recommendation of a friend. However some of the recommendations on here look tempting for future dinning.

Thanks again!

 

Honestly, it all depends on what you want. Death and Co. is a great spot, but if I'm drinking Tequila, I'll take Mayuhal over Death and Co. If I want Whiskey, I'll trek to Brandy Library. It's all about the drink you want.

 

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