The most expensive restaurant in the world?

I love eating out, but even this is a bit much.

I'm the kind of person who would happily eat out 3 meals a day, every day. I like to cook, but I hate washing up and when push comes to shove, if someone else is making the grub I'm happier. Where most people cringe at an �80 tasting menu, I think that isn't bad value - as long as the food tastes incredible.

With that in mind, it's quite surprising that I've found a restaurant (Alain Ducasse's Plaza Ath�n�e) whose prices shock even me! This menu is absolutely ridiculous! I don't know who eats here, but my guess is you have to show proof at the door that you own a diamond mine in Africa. I mean the food does look delicious and I still want to eat here, but seriously, �135 for some lobster!!! These prices are the most ridiculous I've ever seen (congratulations M. Ducasse). And that's saying something. Makes the Fat Duck look downright cheap!

http://www.alain-ducasse.com/public_us/plaza_athenee/fr_cuisine.htm

This is their 'Winter' menu:

� Black truffle marmalade and Roseval potatoes,
sea salt 125 �

� Roasted blue lobster, gnocchi, young leeks
and truffles 135 �

SPECIALITIES

� Steamed langoustines served cold, Iranian osetra caviar,
reduced stock 175 � 95 � - half portion -

� Bresse chicken glazed in an Albufera sauce,
tartufi di Alba 175 �

PLEASURES OF THE TABLE

� Vegetables and fruits cooked / raw, tomato / truffle chutney 65 �

� Sea scallops and cauliflower cream � grenobloise � style 80 �

� Guinea fowl from Challans and duck liver, truffled dressing 90 �

� Line caught sea bass flavoured with citrus / peppers, caramelized fillet 90 �

� Dover sole, clams and cockles, parsley juice 100 �

� Brittany turbot in matelote 95 �

� Rack and saddle of lamb, artichokes and fresh salad, dry fruits crumbs 95 �

� Venison with winter vegetables, reduced red wine spicy sauce 100 �

� Preserved and smoked pigeon, sweet and sour turnips 90 �

� Cheeses refined for you 25 �

� Three dishes of your choice from our "Specialities" - half portion -, cheeses and dessert 360 �

� Three dishes of your choice from "Pleasures of the table" - half portion -, cheeses and dessert