I've noticed that more and more "upscale" restaurants are offering only a prix fixe option. I am reluctant to try these places out, as I am not one of those people who "likes everything" as long as it is prepared well. I really have some strong preferences, and the fear of getting stuck with a major course I don't want has deterred me from a number of recent ventures.

I'm wondering if other people have had similar observations or thoughts.

Sometimes, prix fixe menus offer a wide selection from which to choose for each course.

Here are a couple examples:

http://www.danielnyc.com/daniel.html#daniel_menu

http://www.gordonramsay.com/gratthel...enus/alacarte/

I would agree with this but there are some restaurants that truly do specify what each of the courses are. In example is the downstairs restaurant at Chez Panisse - http://www.chezpanisse.com/pgdownmenu.html .

I agree. I don't like the type of prix fixe that doesn't give you any choice. The French Laundry is another one:

http://www.tkrg.org/upload/fl_menu.pdf

There are actually usually a number of choices at the French Laundry. Your linked menu has eight (four on each menu).

im open to price fixe / tasting, but in general, i want to have total control, especially if im paying a fair amount.

but from my limited browsing, i thought there was more a la carte, especially in this economy.

for example, i was surprised to learn guy savoy and alex are doing a la carte in vegas.

That's a pretty decent selection at Daniel.

The problem that I have with prix fixe only is that they often require you to take three courses which for me is normally too much food.

Traditionally, prix fixe menus were cheaper than ordering off the a la carte menu. Just a random nugget of knowledge. A chef has more control over inventory issues and kitchen timing if he/she only offers prix fixe menus.

Chez Panisse publishes their daily prix fixe menu online a week ahead of time. While it may be difficult, you can call in a reservation right after the menu gets updated for the day that you prefer.

For restaurants that do not publish their up-to-date prix fixe menus online, when you call in to make a reservation, have the reservationist make a notation that you have x,y,&z preferences so the chef will know ahead of time. Any worthwhile restaurant will be able to accommodate you.

The Dining Room at the Ritz in SF and Manresa are two restaurants which have excellent items a la carte and several great tasting (prix fixe) menus.