Jun 16, 2009 6:00 pm US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: Pay What You Want At Le Bec Fin
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
How would you like to eat at one of Philadelphia's premier restaurants and when the check arrives, you pay whatever you want? That's right, you name your price after you've eaten!
As we help you Survive In '09, 3-On Your Side's Jim Donovan shows you the latest way to live the high life without taking a huge bite out your wallet.
Known as the finest French restaurant in the country, for almost three decades Le Bec Fin has served everyone from celebrities to dignitaries.
Over the past two years, chef Georges Perrier has relaxed the atmosphere and dropped prices but the old shishi poopoo image is hard to break.
"I have somebody who stopped me on the street, 'I would love to come to your restaurant, but you're too expensive,'" Perrier said.
To counter that pricey stigma and attract a wider audience, Perrier is kicking off a dining promotion that's hard to beat.
Every Monday through Thursday in July, he'll host a chef's table of up to 20 people and serve a four course customized tasting menu.
"Come to your chef table, you can bring your own wine, and pay me what you wish," Perrier said.
That's right, when the check arrives, there will be a blank line for the food and a blank line for the tip - you put down what you want.
The catch? There is none.
"People are shocked. What is he doing? What is this," Perrier said.
It certainly has people talking. In front of Le Bec Fin one frequent diner told us, "You know you are going to get a very, very excellent meal."
Another woman remarked, "It's a good concept, it gives customers freedom to pay what they want to pay."
Le Bec Fin is already taking reservations for the July promotion. Perrier says that if it is a success, he may extend it into August. We'll see how it goes.
By the way, prior to your meal, Perrier will come out and meet with the table to see if anyone has any dietary issues. Then he's off to the kitchen to work his magic. Diners won't be making the selections, Perrier will.
While a maximum of 20 people will dine each night at this chef's table, if you only have two or four people in your party, don't worry, you can still make a reservation. Smaller groups will be paired to fill the 20 seats each night, but you just need to realize that you all will be dining at the one large table.
RELATED LINK:
http://www.lebecfin.com
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