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.