193126 Fri Dec 21 17:46:13 -0800 2001 3 18 Manhattan 0 1030763 I read this week's four star review in NYC and couldn't help wondering whether someone had the fix in. The food sounded very good, but can any any meal be justified -- especially in the middle of a recession -- when the tab is likely to be $600 a couple with wine, tax and tip. I believe that some restaurants are worth a mighty price -- for example Restaurant Daniel and a number of the three stars in France, but this just seems ridiculous. Is there anyone with personal experience who can shed light? Fri Dec 21 17:46:13 -0800 2001 0 Peter R. 1 1030770 I ate at Ducasse's establishment in July of 2000, before all the critics talking trash had their say. It was an experience of a lifetime. Excessive and expensive?? Hell, yes!!! Could I have lived without the choice of pens and knives, etc. Sure. But that had NOTHING to do with the meal, per se. Just something for the critics to latch on to. What mattered was: The parmesan, pepper, citrus, and tomato crisps ( to start), the tomatoes presented four ways ( roasted, with spinach, coulis, marmalade), the farfalle and prosciutto, the sole with coco beans and garlic, the squab loin on turnips (the dark meat served in a rolled " cigar"),the Normandie camembert with apple sauce, the feuillantine, the chocolate "sorbet" with gold, vanilla cream and hot chocolate, followed by chocolates, cookies, candies, lollipops, coffee, madeleines and financiers (we passed on two tarts and a sorbet). In addition, Walter, our maitre'd, was able to advise us about our trip to Provence and helped us secure reservations at Ducasse's restaurant in Moustiers-Ste-Marie. I have eaten at both of Daniel's incarnations and, though I love the present room, ADNY beats it hands down in terms of comfort, service, innovation of dishes, and experience. I will probably never eat at Daniel's again---I can't WAIT to return to ADNY!! Fri Dec 21 22:27:53 -0800 2001 1030763 0 scott 2 1030817 A slightly contrary view. In June of 2001, my wife and I and another couple ate there and our meal was every bit as good as the previous writer describes. I wouldn't fault food, service, or decor. We all enjoyed every aspect of the meal. However, we all felt that, as good as it was, it was not so superior to Daniel in any of the variables that the dramatically higher price could be justified in our minds. The unanimous view was that we were very glad we had gone, but did not expect to return except at the specific request of a very important business client or for some very special friend or relative who specifically asked to go. Mon Dec 24 10:51:39 -0800 2001 1030770 0 Jerry 1 1030914 First, justification is subjective. Yes, the restaurant is expensive. If you feel justified paying $600 for dinner for two, then go. If not, don't. Second, just about every 3 star restaurant in France is as expensive or more than ADNY. It is simply the price one has to pay to eat this kind of food. Thu Dec 27 14:13:01 -0800 2001 1030763 0 Rex