My husband and I are big foodies and often spend several $100's on a fantastic meal for 2. HOWEVER, Buchon, with it's great rave reviews and little sibling to French Laundry, provided us with our worst "big name" dining experience in the past 10 years.

1. The time between salad and main course took over an hour.
2. We were crammed into a small corner, next to the servers computer, which meant we had several servers/bussers hovering. All of whom completely ignored us.
3. Once the food actually arrived, it was as to be expected, a minuscule portion for the price. But the kicker was it just didn't taste good.

We left, vowing never to return. There are better, albeit, lesser known places we'd prefer to patronize.

I tried Buchon one time a few months ago and I had a similar experience. I will never go back there either. The food was ok, but for the price and the small portion size, it just isn't worth it. And you are right about the service too.

We ate at Cyrus last year in oktober, more or less by accident. It was a great experience and I can recommend their 10 course tasting menu, which was in my european eye quite reasonably priced (the dollar is at an all time low).
I thought their wine list was pricey, so be carefull, but their sommelier was very helpful picking some californian wines from their cellar. I can get french wines quite easily, living in the netherlands, and was more interested in trying some wines that I can't get my hands on back home. Still set us back $600, including tip, but it was worth it.

Enjoy!