Just two weeks ago for my birthday- Per Se - $1036 for two---

is right! You got me beat by $300. Did you choose your own wines?

If you don't mind, How much of that was for food. I would like to go but have no interest in spending money on wine.

Per Se: $150/pp for chef's tasting menu (9 courses).

Did the wine pairing- and it was A LOT of wine- I was a bit toasted by the end... $175pp for that. Also there was a supplemental option we added to the tasting menu -- a risotto with white truffles-- can't remember how much that was- but totally worth it- so much truffle and so delicious.

I wish I could say it was the best meal of my life since it was the most expensive-- but it is never really that way is it? French Laundry is much better, though a lot of it has to do with the location.

I am green with envy. White truffles are only in season Oct-Dec so we didn't get that option in the summer. We just got back from Italy and had the amazing white truffles there (they pick it in Northern Italy) and I can only imagine the risotto you had (a very Happy Birthday indeed!). Oh, how much I would give for a taste of fresh truffles right now.

Our wine pairing was only $100/pp. We're not worthy Yes, a LOT of wine. We tossed in a pre-dinner champagne and a dessert wine at the end. Quite drunk after 4 hours of drinking

It wasn't the best meal of my life but it was pretty close ^

Chef's tasting for six (over 20 utterly glorious courses) with wine pairings for the four of us over 21, and other wines, as well, at Manresa restaurant (which the SF Chronicle called "the French Laundry of the South Bay"), in Los Gatos, California. Over $1100 market value with tax/tip, but I was working for trade. (I did some photography and web redesign/consulting.)

It was easily the best meal of my life, and I think the other five would say the same. One of our group was the youngest member of the Bargetto winemaking family who had been stranded in the Sierra blizzard back in October, surviving on five peanuts a day. He's sixteen, and kept saying, "This is the best thing I've ever eaten" for each course. Pretty sweet.

I can't wait to go back.

For work: Spark's Steakhouse NYC for 6 people $3400. Great Steaks, and Lobster and a lot of wine.
For my wife and I, last week Dinner at Taillevent Paris �575. Had the chef tasting menu @ �190 per person with a couple of glasses of '96 Dom Perignon and a bottle of Chateau Siran.

By far, my most expensive dinner was the one where I proposed to my exwife! That one cost me dearly.

This was not my most expensive meal, but it was the most expensive meal I managed to ruin.

I got back jetlagged from a trip, but had reservations at French Laundry. So what that I've been falling asleep at 5 p.m., nothing a little NoDoze won't cure, I figure. Well, I take one about two hours prior to the ressie, no effect so I pop another. An hour later, no effect so I pop another. By the time I sat down I'd taken four.

About three courses into dinner I am horribly uncomfortable and all I concentrate on is maintaining my composure (not feeling wired, just very sick to my stomach) until the check is settled and we can leave (of course there are still several courses coming, which I discreetly handoff to my husband, who didn't mind). We ordered champagne and two different half bottles of wine, neither of which I could drink.

At least the first three courses were decent ... but the worst part is I couldn't even eat dessert. Very unlike this chocolate lover. I think that dinner was literally about $80 a bite for me. But at least I've learned my NoDoze limit.

Several years ago, dinner at Robuchon and Guy Savoy in the same week. About $900 for 2 people for each meal. Worth every penny. Spent a lot of time in Barcelona some years ago and regret that I never made it to el Bulli.

FDuvall

I spent 800 pounds at Caviar House in London in March last year.

I had a 50g tin of Almas Caviar, and 50g of Premium XXL Reserve (or something like that) Beluga.......... Rather decadent, when sharing it with my parents. Came out to 820 pounds with vodka shots and blinis.

Boy, but the Almas caviar is a unforgettable experience.

Per Se, 2 weeks ago. $1050 for 2. Wine pairing, chef tasting menu, extra 2 dishes, private dining room with 6 others.

And may I add, yup, worth every penny. Even though I would be happier if it's only 6 courses instead of 12. It's just a little too extravagant. A little much food at the end.

But hey, once in a lifetime. Or so I hope not.

I once spent $6.83 for a couple of frozen Burritos and a couple of Coors Lights from 7/11. I thought I broke the bank.

How 'bout this: I hope to wait on the jerkies who paid $3500 EACH for dinner at the Masters of Food and Wine rarities dinner at the Carmel Highlands next month. (ONE dinner! Per person...) Can't wait to see the tip!