I’m not sure if this article about the most expensive restaurants in America demonstrates perfect or disastrous timing. It was published last April, just a few months before several high profile American banking institutions went belly-up.
For a few days back then, it looked as though the global financial system was going to implode. Had it happened then where to drop a grand or two on dinner wouldn’t have mattered much because we would all have been too busy wondering why our world had suddenly turned Mad Max.
On the other hand, perhaps the article offers one explanation for the current financial shenanigans. When dinner for two can cost half a month’s wages for the average working man then it’s a sure sign that there is too much credit swilling around and true value has become disconnected from price.
According to the author, Masa in New York is the most expensive restaurant in the States with the 29-course Omasake menu starting at $400. Factor in drinks and a tip and there won’t be much change from at least a thousand dollars. Why does it cost so much? Well, this sounds like a joke, but apparently much of the fish used is flown in first class from Tokyo.
Forbes magazine publishes these most expensive restaurant surveys on a regular basis. It will be interesting to see what the next one looks like. Will the recession affect the top tier of restaurants or will they ride above it blissfully untroubled by the credit crunch?
Back in the real world, here are some 5pm members who have an American slant to their menus but don’t cost an arm and a leg. Nothing says America like a burger so you might want to swing by Wannaburger in Edinburgh. In Glasgow, Ad Lib, The Local and Minsky’s all have a touch of the Stars ‘n’ Stripes about their food.