barryschenof

I don't know anything about WD-50 but I can tell you that you will love Bouley and lunch there seems to be quite a bit cheaper than dinner. Four of us lunched there the day after Christmas last year. Their menu features, in addition to a la carte, 2 prix fixe options. One is $38 (3 courses), the other $48 (4 courses), as I remember. I ordered the $48 and was informed by the waiter that they had run out of one of the main course items (we had a 2:00 reservation) but would substitute a pork loin. I asked if there were any other options for that course and he immediately offered the rack of lamb, which was more expensive as an al a carte item than the other items on the prix fixe. That impressed me. All the food was superb, as was the service (constantly bringing more bread over and asking if you cared for another roll, etc.); the only negative was that they forgot to bring the wine list and I had to ask for it. Of course, there were amuse bouches to start with and extras following dessert, including truffles and small pastries. Bouley has two rooms. One is "country French" in feel (we ate in it) and the other is quite a bit more dramatic (deep red walls) and romantic in feel. You might want to give them a preference if atmosphere is important. My final comment about Bouley concerns the friendliness and cordiality of the "front desk". When we were leaving, they gave us "tea cakes" to take home. These were delicious. This restaurant offers grand dining at a fair price; in addition, it is hospitable and makes its guests feel welcome. Even when food is fantastic, hospitality is often lacking in many first rate establishments, in my opinion. What a difference that makes! You can look forward to something special at Bouley. I hope to be back there soon myself.