Japonais or Le Colonial: Wife wants trendy but good food

It's her birthday this weekend, and both of these are expensive enough that I won't be visiting BOTH anytime soon.

I suggested Paradise Pup, Hot Dougs, or Gene & Judes, but...

She likes atmosphere as much as I like good food. Reviews of both are good in their own way. Can anyone point to one or the other definitely for my requirements? Is Japonais too loud/trendy for conversation?

Thanks so much--

the last 2 times i was @ japonais i could not hear the dinner conversation over the room sound. it irritated me and i remember commenting on it. it is a great room though. i'd imagine the patio is not as noisy. le colonial is definitely quieter, but i don't care for the food as much. personally, i'd go to avec. great food, hip place, not quite as noisy. i'd go on either side of 6-9 pm though as it's small and crowded.