Schneier

Two nights ago I ate at the French Laundry. A review will follow in a few days, but the news I learned is that the closing has been delayed. FL will remain open through the year, and will close for a few months in the beginning of 2004. The reason is construction delays in the AOL Building in New York. During the closing, many of the staff will be in New York training the staff there. Others will do stages at other restaurants around the world. They don't expect to lose anyone when they reopen. And, of course, this could be delayed even further if there are further construction delays. Bruce

Although the Inn at Little Washington is indeed the place you're looking for--with a romantic little hotel room just above your dinner table--I also concur with the people who recommend Nora's. That restaurant has long been a favorite of mine. I suggest you call them up beforehand and tell them you're having an anniversary dinner. They'll figure out a way to make it special. Citronelle is also a pretty and romantic restaurant; I can also recommend that. It may also be out of your price range, though. Bruce

My advice on surviving Oeanairre--in any city--is to stick to the simple preparations. All the fish is fresh, and the less you give the kitchen an opportunity to ruin the fish the better it is for everyone concerned. Enjoy the fresh oysters. Enjoy the grilled this and that. But stay away from the complicated preparations. And then order a baked Alaska for dessert. Bruce

On my last trip to Phoenix I tried Hapa. It fits your criteria, but I am a little reluctant to recommend it. It just wasn't as good as I wanted it to be (for the price and reputation). Bruce

Still there, but probably out of the given price range. Unless you eat at the bar, which does do a very nice cheeseburger. Oops. I didn't notice the price range requirement. Sorry. Does Wildwood actually have a cheaper bar menu? That surprises me; most high-end restaurants offer the same menu at the bar. Bruce

I admit it's been a couple of years, but I had a wonderful meal at Cory Schriber's Wildwood. I'm surprised that no one has mentioned it. Is it still open? Bruce

He simply has to be paying them during the break. Otherwise you're right; he won't have any staff when the restaurant reopens. Bruce

I haven't found anything high-end in San Diego that is worth recommending, but there's a fantastic seafood dive that I visit every time I'm there: Point Loma Seafood. It's on the harbor and everything is fresh and delicious. Just be sure that at least one of you orders the squid: heavenly. Bruce

2. Gary Danko, no question. 5. Yang Sing. Bruce

Zagat ratings are based on diners surveys. And more importantly, no one verifies that the diners actually ate at the restaurants they rate. The primary effect of this is intertia: restaurants that are rated high tend to stay rated high, often far longer than they deserve to be rated high. Bruce