I had a fabulous meal at Esca on New Year's Eve.  We went for the tasting menu with paired wines, and I have to say it was one of my favorite neighborhood dining experiences.  The one dish I was a little apprehensive about (appetizer of monkfish liver) was superb, and paired with a wonderful dessert wine which balanced the richness perfectly.  The service was impeccable -- wonderfully attentive.  And the dessert -- a trio of lemon tart, chocolate cake with gelato, and 3 sorbets with cookies -- was out of this world.  Needless to say, the crudo was also great.  We had razor clams and hamachi -- both wonderfully fresh and invigorating.   And while the meal wasn't cheap, at $120 each (including tip and tax) for a 6-course meal with paired wines, I thought it was a great deal.