Recession Restaurant Deals in NYC

Given the high cost of living in New York City and the painful blow dealt to our wallets by the current recession, I thought it might be helpful to post some restaurant deals for those of us who enjoy fine dining but understand the concept of value. New York Magazine and BlackBook have compiled impressive lists of restaurants that are offering specials such as modified menus and prix fixe deals. My personal favorites are the restaurants in the Jean-Georges family. Nougatine offers an amazing three-course lunch (choice of any two plates and dessert) for only $24.07, and a delicious four-course dinner for $35. The dinner deal at Nougatine, which runs from 5:30-6:30 and 10-11 PM every day of the week except for Saturday, featured a roasted beet and Greek yogurt salad, salmon with julienne vegetables, roasted chicken, and chocolate cake with ice cream when I ate there last Sunday. An unintended perk of the dismal economy is that one can now eat at Michelin-star restaurants on a budget. A two-course prix fixe lunch at Jean-Georges is $28, with the option to add more courses for $14 each.