u/Vulcanmonk01

59(m) with severe aortic stenosis.

Saw my cardiologist on August 13, and was told I needed to have the aortic valve replaced. Did some research and saw that NYU Langone in NYC has a good team for this.  September 10 went in for some imaging and saw the team. Seemed solid so I decided to move forward. Confirmed for a Ross procedure on October 14. A week before the surgery, they changed the date to October 12, okay, I adjusted. All set for Monday, October 12.

On Friday, October 9, received calls from the hospital confirming all details, arrival time, discontinuing meds, etc.; all set.  At 7:30 pm on Friday night, I get a voice message from an NP in the surgeon's office saying that the doc had a family emergency, the surgery was canceled, and that they would reach out to me on Monday to reschedule. 

This has been an emotional roller-coaster and not sure what I should do.  Should I be looking for another hospital at which to get this done?   

On June 16, (16 days) I am scheduled for an Aquablation procedure at Hackensack University Hospital, in New Jersey (USA).  The surgeon seems solid, but the office staff are underwhelming or maybe overwhelmed!  I’ve reached out to the surgical coordinator multiple times to confirm insurance pre-certification are complete (hospital/surgeon are in network), find out my out-of-pocket cost, as well as pre-op and post-op instructions. All I’ve gotten is "...I'll get back to you on that," and then crickets.  Maybe it’s too soon to be expecting that information?  Can others who have had this procedure share their experience with the surgical coordinator and/or surgeon’s office.  Thank you.

My partner and I are planning a post nuptial dinner and are looking for a fine dining experience to share with 5 close friends. This past weekend we had dinner at Maison Barnes so as to get a look at their wine cellar as a possible venue. Unfortunately, the dinner was totally underwhelmed - food was meh, service was spotty, and vibe was very snooty.

After MD, we decided to check out Gabriel Kreuther, and so stopped in for a drink at the bar. The place was hoppin'; a bit on the loud side, but we could work with that. We even looked at the chef's table but it was utter bedlem in there; not the place for a post nuptial dinner. I’ve read some Reddit reviews and they seem mixed at best, so not sure about that.

And so, we are also considering Essential and Gramercy Tavern.

So my question to all the esteemed Reddit Foodies is this...

Can you recommend a Michelin rated restaurant (French, or Contemporary), that has excellent food, solid service, not too stuffy/formal but still elegant, and if possible, has a private room.  We’ve budgeted somewhere between $4K and $5K all in (meal, special cake, wine, gratuity).

Thanks in advance for your ideas!