Daniel
60 East 65th Street between Madison and Park Avenue. Prix fixe $85 - $160.  It's all spectacular, the two tiered dining room, huge floral arrangement, tables of starlets and politicians.  All of this doesn't distract from the scrumptious roast lamb medallions or tuna tartare.

Les Halles
411 Park Avenue South Between East 28th and East 29th Street. 212-679-4111.  Average main course $19.  Anthony Bourdain of Food Network TV series and "A Cook's Tour", is executive chef of this famous brasserie. Expect the very best of the classics here. There's also a new branch located a few blocks from Ground Zero, 15 John Street between Broadway and Nassau Street. 212-285-8585. Other locations include Washington D.C. and Miami.

Pastis
9 Ninth Avenue at Little West 12th Street. 212-929-4844. Average main course $18. Located in the pretentious new Meatpacking District. Expect crowds ordering thick steaks, red snapper, monkfish, and cod with potatoes stewed in fish stock. Top it off with Crepe Suzette.

Casimir
103-105 Avenue B between 6th and 7th Street. 212-358-9683.  Average main course $15.  It's hard to believe great French food in a relaxed atmosphere and good prices.  Fielt mignon with pepper and cognac sauce, sesame crusted tuna, mussels and steak tartare are some of the  items on this menu where nothing is more than $16. Half of the restaurant is a cocktail lounge of Moroccan theme. In nice weather umbrellaed tables on the rear patio make for a pleasant evening of good food without breaking the bank.