Benoit 100th Anniversary

It's been a century since the original Benoit—named for founder Benoit Matray—opened in Paris, and both the Tokyo and New York sister locations are joining in the centennial festivities. Special events are scheduled throughout the year at Alain Ducasse's midtown location; highlights include a $75 three-course prix-fixe dinner that will be offered until the end of 2012. The seasonally changing menu will revisit classic Parisian bistro dishes (think brioche with duck foie gras terrine, or filet mignon with bone marrow and bordelaise) and includes a celebratory glass of La Caravelle champagne. Fans of French gastronomy can also book for the special five-course anniversary dinner on May 3 ($100), which features the all-star chef lineup of Michael Anthony (Gramercy Tavern), April Bloomfield (Spotted Pig, John Dory Oyster Bar, Breslin Bar & Dining Room), Michael White (Marea, Ai Fiori, Osteria Morini), Philippe Bertineau (Benoit) and Alain Ducasse. And from May through August, check out an exhibit of Parisian graphic designer Vahram Muratyan's illustrations. The images have been culled from his book, Paris Versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities.