Gerard Pangaud is the only Michelin two-star chef working in this country. His restaurant has been here for quite some time now, and his popularity shows no signs of abating. Though Pangaud changes his menu every 2 weeks, he can be counted on to combine exquisite taste sensations, like Jerusalem artichokes with foie gras and truffles, or Chilean sea bass served over leeks stewed with black truffles, or fricassee of monkfish in a red wine sauce. Every once in a while you'll see his famous lobster with ginger, lime, and sauterne on the menu, and if you do, order it, for it's justly famous. The dining room itself is small, seating only 50 at a time, and is rather underwhelming in design. And this is a quiet restaurant, not a place to get rowdy. You're here for the food, and quiet conversation. And though Gerard's Place is also very expensive, the restaurant bows to your budget in offering a three-course fixed-price lunch for $29.50, and by waiving the corkage fee (usually $25) on Monday nights.