$20. 3 Courses. 1 Great Meal

According to numerous reputable sources, December is "National Office Luncheon Month." * Whether the occasion be Christmas, Chanukah, or Kwanzaa, these end of the year lunches often signify both celebration and appreciation. In short, it's a big deal, especially for those minions of the microwave who often enough take their lunches in the office. In choosing the locale for such an event, the #1 guiding principle should be "know your audience." Pick a place not for you but for your guest(s). For some, fine dining fits the bill; for others, frosty mugs of beer and po-boys at Liuzza's are all they want.

If you are searching for a restaurant in the former category, might I suggest Restaurant August, whose $20.09 3 Course Prix Fixe Lunch comes under budget no matter if the market is bull or bear. Back in early October, Rene scribbled out a few reasons why he thinks lunch at August is the best deal in town. I tested his theory a while back, and even though I had a different menu than Rene (and the menu likely has changed again since my visit), I have to agree with him.

Two more things you should know:

1. This is not a 60 minute lunch. Each course is prepared to order, and prolonged periods between courses are common (and sometimes frustrating). Realize this going in.
2. As you probably already expect, portion sizes are small. Big eaters will likely still be hungry when they stand up from the table, while others will appreciate finishing their dessert and not feeling uncomfortably full. (See my above notation about knowing your audience.)

While the lunch special is advertised as three courses, your meal will likely include an amuse. On my visit, we were presented a rich truffle custard served inside a hollow egg shell and accented with caviar. This "surprise course" is a subtle touch which both whets the appetite and reinforces that this is no ordinary lunch.

For my lunch, there were 4 appetizer choices, though I see that the online menu has now 6. The list will likely include a salad, soup, and a slab of pâté de campagne large enough to share among a table of four. If you're lucky you can order the "Salmon Crunchy Roll" - lightly fried lobster tail draped in house cured salmon and placed atop homemade tartar and beet sauces.

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The list of main courses has been equally expanded. Fish. Fowl. Beef. Each is usually available, as is the above acorn squash "mezze luna," a relative of the tasting menu's yard egg raviolo. The lacquered duck and goat cheese dumplings with matsutake mushroom broth will warm your heart and soul.

Dessert selections are constantly evolving. One example is the trio of chocolate stuffed beignets, each placed atop different fruit sauce (apple butter, lemon, and satsuma).

The point is this: No matter what is on the menu, you should expect expertly prepared cuisine at an affordable price point. I can't think of a better way to please both the guests and the host.

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* Actually, I made this up.