I also work in the food industry. I will agree that no one can live on $10.50/hr especially in the city, but it is always who you work for makes the difference in your future career. I have been in the food industry for 20 yrs now. I haven't seen much change in the public sector but in the private sector, its all about who you've worked for. I have worked under Puck at Spago, Boulud at Daniel, Vongericten at The Spice Market(beginning), Ripert at Bernardin. Sure the pay wasn't great, but sustainable especially with the hours I put in(60-80 hrs a week). Now with the experience I have and the advantage of working for some of the best, fighting for the life I want; has now landed me a $70K job working as a private chef/personal assistant. It's the private sector who cares about where you went to school, where you did your externship, where and who you've worked for - it all adds up.

It's not $120 for 7 courses, it's $125.36 per course per person with 17% gratuity, which is reasonable compared to some other restaurants of the world. Though I agree with you, its not that expensive especially when it comes to a special night out. $3000 isn't the most I've spent on dinner by a long shot. I've recently had the opportunity to go to SubliMotion in Ibiza. $3,000 for 4, 7 courses compared to $24,000 for 12, 20 courses. Although in the long run, SubliMotion is cheaper at $100 per plate minus gratuity and travel expenses. Please come back!

I hate to agree with NYT but Per Se was indeed better when it first opened. Then again most restaurants are like that. It's rare to retain stars especially given that different reviewers have different standards - different point of views.

For those who complain about the price, there is a lot of of work that needs to be done prior to eating those courses, it's not grandma's cooking and definitely not Rachel Ray. Not to mention expenses from food, employees, equipment, space(The Time Warner Building - not cheap), etc. Have you ever noticed how egg and cheese on a bagel is cheaper to buy on the lower east side versus ordering the same thing on Lex, Park or Madison - it's usually 50-70% more.

According to certain logic, those who eat at these places are suckers, but then so are those who spend $25 on pasta.