Hey, Cash-Strapped Chowhounds! Try Rogue 24 Without Wrecking Your Wallet

We're big fans of the inventive and avant garde, so the three-hour culinary "journey" at Rogue 24 strikes us as a fabulous way to celebrate a special occasion — but we have to admit that, at $175 a head, it's pretty pricey for anything less than a major milestone. For nights when we're not planning on proposing (or receiving a proposal), the just-launched flights of cocktails and small plates in their Salon lounge make for a lower-commitment experience.

The lounge offers three courses rather than the 24 served in the dining room, and head bartender Bryan Tetorakis uses some mad-scientist-worthy equipment to make ingredients like perfumed ice, vapor-infused spirits, and a house-made chai-cola to mix with bourbon. Each drink is designed to complement a dish crafted in the open kitchen and plated with artistic flair — think delicate curls of foie gras, flavored with smoked vanilla, lavender, and huckleberry, or Ossetra caviar stacked between slices of apple, topped with cauliflower and cider bubbles. Reservations aren't required for the 14 spots in the Salon, but if you want the best chance at snagging one, stop by during off-peak hours.