Birthday Dinner -- Alinea or Avenues?

Next month is my birthday and I am wondering if my husband and I should go to Alinea, where we can get a 9:30 reservation, or Avenues, where we can get our desired 8:00. I am afraid of falling asleep in my shrimp cocktail fumes or whatever if we start our meal at Alinea at 9:30. I am not really worried about price so much, just a great meal and experience, but I don't want to get ripped off either.
Any thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated
Gina

What night of the week is this?

My opinion, based on the last time I went to Trotters, which was for a 930 res on a Saturday night, seated after 10, and too hungry and tired to appreciate the meal or even the 62 LaTour my friend brought, is that unless you really enjoy dining late regularly, go with the normal hours. Paricularly if it is Saturday, there is a fair chance you will be seated a bit after 930, and then you hardly could go for a 5 hour tasting, could you?

Avenues may not be a life-altering experience, but it sounds very good. Or you could always try Moto for the adventure.

Why not go to Avenues, get the long tasting menu, and spend a lovely night at the Peninsula - and breakfast in bed.