We'd heard nothing but raves about this temple to French seafood since it opened in 1986.   We finally got to eat there a few years ago and were favorably impressed, so we were anxious to return.   We got our chance on a February 2003 visit to New York - we'd made reservations weeks in advance.   Unfortunately, our dinner proved to be a letdown.

It feels almost sacrilegious to knock this fine restaurant, but let's call a spade a spade.  While our meal there was certainly not bad, in fact it was quite good, it was also eminently forgettable and certainly not worth the nearly $500 we paid for two people.  We've had similar fare elsewhere for far less money.  For the record, we had the six course tasting menu for $95 a person plus about $65 per person for a glass of wine with each course. (Date Visited: 2/8/2003)