Pinot Grill, the cafe (run by Patina, natch) in the Music Center courtyard, has lovely outdoor seating, a much more affordable price point, and martinis for those of you who martinize.

$80! What in the hell were you planning on ordering?

I guess when you order a steak, a side, a salad, drink etc. it could easily add up to over $80.00. It is a bit on the pricey side.

The Pinot Grill sounds nice, but I'm open to whatever the group decides.

This is your standard steakhouse style fare. The side are enough for 2 or 3 people. I usually split a couple of sides with others. I never have enough room to eat BOTH a salad or soup and a meal at these places. If you have a HUGE appetite, I suppose you could eat away $80. I couldn't do it.

Here's what I would get:

Petit Filet Mignon - $31
Pepercorn Crust - $2
Grilled Asparagus - $4.50 (split $9)
Sweet Potato Fries - $2.50 (split $5)
Pelegrino - $9

$49 plus $13 tax and tip = $62

It's not cheap by any means, but if we're looking for cheap, then we should find a diner or go to Phillipe's.

Cafe Pinot's also great, but its not cheap either. I spent more there than I would at N&S.

http://los.angeles.diningguide.com/dl1dt.htm - here's a list of restaurants. Find one that makes everyone happy.

Oh, I agree the price point is typical steakhouse stellar. I didn't pre-select and price-out my meal, but a rough glance gave me the impression the average steak price was $50. A side, a glass of wine, some tax and a nice tip easily comes to $80. Though of course, I could get by easily on the Petit Filet (mmm with peppercorn crust) for the magical price of $33 that would likely equal a yummier meal than at Club 33.

So thanks for the menu hunting, NA. I'm good either way, but I'll respect anyone's choice if they would rather bring the meal in at less than the show tickets (a handy, if not ultra-realistic comparison, to my simplistic way of thinking).

I'm heading out. Someone call me if I need to make changes to the reservation we currently have.

Wait, you mean I can't have those martinis? ;)

That's just what it seemed to me at first glance when steaks are $40 (as you know, in a full dinner versus a la carte the a la carte gets pricey). The restaurant sounds lovely, it really does (and got nice Zagat reviews too).

I don't want to be cheap, but our options are not expensive steakhouse or Dennys, no ifs ands or buts. And I'm going to have a lovely day and not worry too much about what the group wants to do for dinner. I'll go along with whatever. :)

Heh - even without including the pre-show drinks, we passed the $80 mark - but what a fun show, fabulous dinner, and provocative conversation.

Here's hoping that Easter in Norwalk won't be so bad

Had a blast...even pushing the car down the 5 freeway was fun!