I finally went to Benu. It was excellent. Was it $180 excellent? Not at all. For $185, we ate at Alinea in Chicago, which was an amazing experience. Alinea was worth $185!! How does Benu compare to Alinea? It doesn't. Benu is really more like Gary Danko, which is great, no question. However, it is not as creative as Alinea, and other than a little Asian twist to their food, it's pretty standard fare.

Don't get me wrong, this place is excellent, no question. If I had $180, would I drop it on Benu? No way. I'd spend it on the $72 menu at Gary Danko instead, which I think has just as good food if not better (and a little more luxurious setting). So Benu is good, but it's not $180 good. Not worth the money, in my opinion.