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What You'll Get at Your $650 Dinner Tonight

Fancy restaurants still charging a bundle for New Year's Eve

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 31, 2009 12:41 PM CST

(Newser) – Despite the still-grim economy and a recent British survey finding 80% of people plan to spend New Year’s Eve at home…one New York restaurant is still charging $650 for tonight’s prix fixe menu. Salon takes a look at what going extravagant might get you tonight:

  • Aureole, New York: For $650, a five-course meal including big-eye tuna sashimi, chestnut ravioli, Canadian lobster, and New York strip loin.
  • Daniel, New York: For $595, a five-course tasting menu (no details on the food), live music, dancing, and a champagne toast.

  • Charlie Trotters, Chicago: For $350, a menu including black truffles, Osetra caviar, and premium Japanese beef. Add on $175 to $250 for the wine pairing.
  • L'Espalier, Boston: For $195, a three-course meal plus dessert and amuse-bouche. The menu includes milk-fed organic pig, beef tenderloin with foie gras potato gnocchi, and potato-crusted escolar with French Osetra caviar.
  • Le Bec-Fin, Philadelphia: For $145, courses including Kumamoto oyster with American caviar, truffle-stuffed turbot, and Colorado rack of lamb.
For Salon’s interview with an expert who explains the prices, click here.

Duo of veal at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.
Duo of veal at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.   (©Burger Baroness)
Scallops at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.
Scallops at Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia.   (©Burger Baroness)
Behroush Sharifi, left, stands by as chef Tony Aiazzi, center, and  chef Marcus Ware sample some of Sharifi's  paprika in the kitchen of Aureole, Wednesday March 12, 2008 in New York.
Behroush Sharifi, left, stands by as chef Tony Aiazzi, center, and chef Marcus Ware sample some of Sharifi's paprika in the kitchen of Aureole, Wednesday March 12, 2008 in New York.   (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
finkster
Feb 9, 2010 9:11 AM CST
I hope these rich people choke on it.
Kookey90
Jan 2, 2010 10:10 AM CST
These high class folks can keep their fancy $650 dinners. A good bowl of Subgum Fried Rice with Pork Chop Suey, an Egg Roll and a bowl of Wonton (Okay, make it two tons) at my local Chinese Restaurant is all I need. Can someone pass me the Sweet and Sour please.
Spudsy
Jan 1, 2010 12:35 PM CST
Chez Spudsy is serving Malnoti's deep dish pizza with an assortment of beers and Chef Spuds will not be on those dangerous icy roads tonight. Happy New Year to all on Newser.
 

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