When this list came out last year it was a bit of a laugher. They have cleaned it up a bit but it still is a pretty tough list to put together, or accept for that matter. I have eaten at 8 of the places on the list. I dont think their order is too crazy but I dont completely agree with it. I would not for instance, place St. John ahead of L'Arpege and Chez Panisse. In fact, I wouldnt place Daniel ahead of them either. I also prefer LeBernardin and L'Arpege to Jean Georges. I would on the other hand, probably place Gagnaire at the top of the ones I had been to as much as I have a soft spot in my heart for Taillevant.
Then there is the whole French Laundry/Per Se thing that I just keep telling myself Im going to have to break down and try one of them but I can never bring myself to do it........