I remembered it as 1,200 Euros, but what the heck, it was Rudi's birthday, and Rudi and Gisela's anniversary. I am still trying to finagle a way to pop back over again to celebrate again this year.

One of my portions of "salad" consisted of very tender and amazing first harvest white asparagus. Yummy, yummy.

I really don't like champagne, but that peach champagne was one of the most amazing things I have ever tasted.

Was it wonderful? I would love to read a dinner report.

a year ago, how about a repetition this year?

here is Punki's photosite (including the Menue we had and all labels of our wines)

And, for once, if I remember correctly, Punki couldn't resist the chocolate desert either ...

from the Michelin red guide France: (this Restaurant has one Star *, fotos inside show former french President Mitterrand as a guest)

* Aux Armes de France (K�chenchef: Gaertner)
* Adresse: F - 68770 Ammerschwihr
* Telefon: 03 89 47 10 12
* Fax: 03 89 47 38 12
* E-Mail: [email protected]
* �ffnungszeitr�ume: geschlossen mittwochs und donnerstags
* Preis der Mahlzeit: � 30 (Mittagessen),� 72/95 und Karte � 88 bis �113
* Zimmerpreise: � 65/82
* K�che: lokale
* Kommentare: Treten Sie ein in dieses typisch els�ssische Restaurant und entdecken Sie die traditionellen, modern zubereiteten K�stlichkeiten in zeitgem��em und gem�tlichem Ambiente.
* Spezialit�ten: Bonbons aus frittierter Stopfleber mit Kartoffelf�den. Rotzungenfilets mit Nudeln �Pierre Gaertner�. Leicht paniertes Kalbsbries.
* Weine aus der Umgebung: Tokay-Pinot gris, Riesling.
* N�tzliche Infos: mit Zi.; Jardin d'Et�

Thanks for remembering that great photo montage Rudi ... and yes ... there are all the wine labels in one of the shots!

This is one of the best Birthday candle shots of all time ......

http://punki.photosite.com/Switzerla...Rudisbirthday/

Yes, yes, we must try and do it again in 2004. ^ ^ ^

I do remember that at least, the Peach Champagne was not on that label montage.

So maybe we drank less than I remembered? (But punki had only 1 sip of anything.)

It's a coincidence (for me, anyway) that the OP's login name includes "arcola," because the first really expensive meal I ever had was at the French Embassy in Arcola, Illinois. I treated my sister and my cousin to dinner there for my graduation. I don't remember what the total tab was, but I do remember that AmEx called me the next morning to ask if my card had been stolen.

most expensive for me was my first trip out to the Roppongi district in Tokyo a couple years back with co-workers and friends.

the total for the evening on just myself was near 2,500 US. Part of that was 900 bucks alone for an hour back behind in the "champaigne room" at a hostess club. That cost me 75 bucks per 5 mins and if you say "well thats not a meal", I beg to differ

I was 24, im much wiser now

Well can only agree with that , my favourite restaurant, 750 Euros for 4 persons doesn't sound too bad.

It is actually interesting with me.

My most expensive meals were also the one which were the biggest disappointments.

700 US$ for 2 at Charlie Trooters as well as 400 Euros for two at Bernard Loiseau in Seaulieu.

Otherwise lots of diners in the 200-300 Euros Range which have been all very satisfying

Not the most expensive meal, but the 60.00 burger at Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay Vegas should be mentioned.

http://www.usmenuguide.com/lasvegas.html

$750 at where else but Per Se.

Great evening and a lot cheaper than a first class upgrade, but much better food and much more memorable. I always think about what I get by paying for an upgrade (especially at CO) and compare it to an evening at Per Se. Per Se wins easily.

Was the $750 at Per Se just for dinner or is that including the price of wine as well?? Also, is that a dinner for two or was it $750 per person??

Dinner at Per Se is $175 per person, before wine and other beverages, tax and tip (plus the occasional upcharge for certain menu items; when I was there I paid an extra $25 for the fois gras).

I think the least expensive a couple can reasonably get out of Per Se for, without impacting the quality of the experience, is $350 for the meals, plus $75 for wine, plus tax ($35) and tip ($85), which would bring the total for two to about $545.

Is it worth it? It's hard to say, and truly is an individual determination. I thought it was. As Nevsky pointed out, you might pay a similar amount to upgrade on a flight (e.g., if you have to buy 500-mile upgrade stickers or pay the new $250 international upgrade fee on AA), and I would gladly trade the upgrade (and I am someone who hates suffering the indignity of coach) for a meal at Per Se.

I eclipsed my record last week: $1,700 for two at Il Mulino in New York, not including the $50 tip I gave the maitre d' for getting us a table at prime time. It did include two very expensive bottles of wine (probably close to $1,000 of the cost) and a very generous tip (about $400). Fortunately, the same very affluent friend who treated me to Per Se took me to this one, too.

US$360 at Picasso's in Las Vegas (two people, $180/ea) - fantastic food and I don't think we had very much wine, either.

US$600 at Fifth Floor in San Francisco (four people, $150/ea) - fantastic, too.

Both were personal, non-expensed. I've had more $150-$200 dinners for three people on work expense than I could possibly count.

I suppose this thread makes more sense if you give an average cost/person too - just saying "$1800 at xxx" doesn't mean much if you don't have a headcount. I suppose I could claim $140 at the Olive Garden if you count the time I picked up the tab at the family reunion!

--Doug