Yup, you really should have asked the price. A day isn't wasted if you learn something. So, you had a nice anniversary dinner and you learned something......always ask the price of the "specials".

Your anniversary isn’t worth $43 ???

Chop House Grouper
 

Your meal also included Shrimp or Scallops basically two entrees, did you think they were added free of charge?

Sounds like you got chopped.

I'm at a restaurant, not a garage sale. I shouldn't have to ask.

My husband and I went to the Chop House about a week ago to celebrate a special day. Waiter told us right away about their special that night. A 9 ounce filet mignon and 6 ounce lobster tail with 2 sides for $55 each. Price given upfront. It was devine. Perfectly cooked. If he had not told us the price we would have asked. We have no regrets. You get what you pay for. How many special days do we have left to celebrate in this life?

Grouper is always market price in Florida. Most times it is more expensive than steak, if it is really grouper.

Same thing happened to me at a restaurant in Indianapolis. They had a lake perch fish and chips which was quite expensive for a special. We continued to go there because of the live music but I never ordered fish and chips again. I did find that I could order a grouper sandwich instead of the grouper dinner and save $10. Same fish just smaller portion and only 1 side. If you really like the place you can look for other ways to save.

if you order a special any where, with few exceptions, the price is not indicated. additionally, you might find to be the highest priced meal

Someone mentioned that most high end restaurants don't list prices. That is not true in my experience. I am from the Pacific Northwest where you can expect to spend $200.00 for an excellent meal out for 2 without wine or drinks and the prices are clearly listed on the menu. These restaurants are proud of their offerings and know they are worth every penny. I will not eat at a restaurant that makes me ask the prices, except when "market pricing" is stated. If they cater to the wealthy or upper income they have no respect for them if they require them to ask the price of a meal, this is demeaning, or even worse if they assume the patron doesn't care what it costs. Most wealthy people got that way by knowing where their money was going, not by just handing it over blindly. Believe me, I know.
I do agree that this lady and her husband should have asked the price before ordering. It's a shame this spoiled their fun anniversary night out.

I remember eating in a number of restaurants in NYC where the woman's menu did not have prices! I have zero problem asking for the price of a special. Eat at ChopHouse frequently and have been told prices on specials. Have to ask fr omarket price on the prime meat.

Thanks!

There is no problem with her finger or the keyboard. Expensive Grouper has a little known side effect.

'Special' to them.

I agree it is a bad practice for the restaurant to do this. At one restaurant that I will not name, the owner instructs the staff to do the same. The staff reports they are not comfortable with the practice.

Where it becomes nasty is when you are taking people out to dinner and they do not know what they are getting into. Do you warn them. The owner I mention, offers cheese on the free side salad. The staff says, "Do you want cheese on your salad?" When the bill comes there is a three dollar charge. When you hear it mentioned to your guests, do you warn them of the scam. Everyone thinks it is a free option when the question is asked.