MaiTai suggested we start a favorite restaurant listing for any American city where the posters would like to compile one. I would imagine the prices, types of cuisine, and areas would vary substantially from city to city. But for NY, I am suggesting the following just to keep it simple. Before we begin can we agree on a general format?

Could be anywhere, any cuisine

Under $25 a person

Approximately $50 a person

Over and way over $50 a person

What are your thoughts?

I think for NY in particular (but probably applicable to SF, Chicago and other big cities too), I'd separate "over $50" and "way over $50" into their own categories. Around here $100 for two is sort of an " any Saturday night" dinner out, but $200 for two would certainly be more of a "special occasion" place.

I would agree that we need a listing for "special event" or "upscale" places esp for New York and a few other lage cities.

The other thing is I think we need to be clear what this includes.

Obviusly if you include wine tip and tax the total will differ. So should we agree this is just the meal - not drinks or wine (which can be a HUGE difference).

There could be three categories:

(per person)
Under $25
$25 - $50
Over $50 (and if it's a lot more whoever gives the review could give a guesstimate)

I agree with nyt that booze/wine doesn't count - meal only.

The Fodorite US Dining Guide.

Could be fun. Not all in one post, but in posts started by someone who lives there. The L.A. one has already begun.

Maybe it could spread to the Europe, Asia, et al boards.

So here is the amended outline:

Each category could be any cuisine in any area. The amount does not include, tip, tax, and any drinks. When you list you favorites, please be terse in the description but include the type of cuisine, neighborhood, and favorite dish. if any.

Categories:

Under $25 per person

$25-$50 a person

Over $50 a person

Stratospheric prices or places for special occasions.

Some after thoughts.

The poster must have personally eaten there at least once in the previous twelve months. (I say twelve months because I have been around long enough to know someone will ask calendar year, fiscal year, lunar calendar, etc.) Obviously a restaurant could be sold tomorrow or the chief could leave, but a year sounds like a reasonable amount of time. And we should not include second hand recommendations.

Anyone agree or disagree?

Agreed. Must be within a year. I guess I need to go back to some of my favorites (like I needed an excuse)

So I will start a new topic, so this does not appear.