Big Apple, Bigger Prices

I (S&P) have to say as much as I would like to leave NYC with a pair of Louboutin's I am fully prepared to leave with work staples and a little personal restock at Victoria's. One of the things I would most love to do would be to have a meal at one of those restaurants... one of those that at this point in time we likely couldn't get a reservation to, like Per Se. At my heart I am a foodie and a footie (I guess) I have a deep love and appreciation for really good food and fine made shoes. Sure I fill my closet and fridge with middle of the road labels and even some cheapies to fill out the gaps, but really when it comes down to it, I know there is a difference between homemade and bought, organic and conventional and I am of the bias few (which includes J) who believe something heirloom is vastly better in every way than GM'd. All that being said, while I understand the reasoning behind the cost involved (275 per person), I just can't rationalize that I'm also paying for the hype of NYC and the name.

Per Se's Tasting Menu for this week, March 30.

TASTING OF VEGETABLES
March 30, 2009
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"BAVAROI S DE CHOU-FLEUR"
Piquillo Pepper Glaze, Shaved Romanesco Cauliflower, Crispy Capers
and Young Cilantro with Preserved Meyer Lemon Syrup

SALAD OF HAWAIIAN HEARTS OF PEACH PALM
Haupia, Compressed Pineapple and Field Mizuna
with Hass Avocado Purée

CHICKPEA "CROQUANTS"
Braised Heirloom Carrots, Niçoise Olive "Petals"
and Sylvetta with Niçoise Olive Oil

SQUIRE HILLS FARM’S AMERAUCANA HEN EGG
Ragoût of Forest Mushrooms
with Watercress Leaves

RUSSET POTATO GNOCCHI
Fava Beans and Pea Tendrils
with "Cacio e Pepe"

ANSON MILLS’ WHITE POLENTA "AGNOLOTTI"
Violet Artichokes, Garlic Chips and Wilted Dandelion Greens
with Green Garlic "Pudding"

"HOJA SANTA"
"Pain de Campagne" Melba, Grilled Vidalia Onion
and Confit of Holland Eggplant with Salsa Verde

"GORGONZOLA DI MONTAGNA"
Compressed Bartlett Pears, Red Endive
and Candied Walnuts with Saporoso Vinaigrette

BUTTERMILK-THYME SHERBET
Lemon-Poppy Seed Cake, Thyme "Pâte de Fruit"
and Poppy Seed Caramel

SPICED MUSCOVADO "CASSONADE"
Coffee "Joconde," Granny Smith Apple Chip
and Coffee Jelly with Jasmine Ice Cream

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicknamemiket/3265204436/