It’s been said, first by Daniel Defoe and later by Benjamin Franklin, that taxes are one of life’s certainties (the other is too unpleasant to even mention here). As Tax Day looms on April 17^th in the states and on April 30 in Canada, we’ve rounded up some splurges and offers for those of you looking to put your refund money where your mouths are. Check out these Tax Day 2018 restaurant offers for how to spend yours in delicious style.

Addison, San Diego, California
At chef William Bradley’s fine dining institution in Del Mar, San Diego, wine and beverage director Rafael Sanchez offers The Corpse Reviver XIII cocktail, priced at $250, is the perfect indulgence for Addison dinner guests that have a little extra cash to burn. The drink features Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac (aged for 40+ years), Adrien Camut “Rarete” (75-year-old Calvados, which Addison is only allocated one or two bottles a year), and Mancini Vecchio Vermouth. And the cocktail itself is garnished with gold dust — naturally. Make a reservation at Addison.

Stake Chophouse & Bar, Coronado, California
The dining experience at this steakhouse offering rooftop dining with views of Coronado Island is rich on pomp and circumstance. Before each meal, Stake presents diners with a beautiful selection of finely sharpened steak knives, allowing guests to choose what feels best in their hands. With options including a Japanese, French or German-made, all are uniquely elegant in their own right offering variety in balance, blade, and beauty. Then, high rollers can opt in to the five-course “Stake Experience” priced at $140 per person, which affords a customized menu by chef Kolanko based on the diner’s preferences and chef’s choice and offers optional wine pairings from beverage director Teddy Panos.  A platter of raw steaks is presented tableside, and, much like choosing a dessert from a display tray, diners have the opportunity to see their cut firsthand instead of imagining it’s dimension and attributes from paper. Make a reservation at Stake Chophouse & Bar.

Oceana, New York, New York
Executive chef Bill Telepan has a mouthwatering offer for shellfish lovers with a tax refund burning a hole in their pockets. Oceana, one of Midtown Manhattan’s seafood staples, presents The Poseidon, a decadent selection of seafood from the restaurant’s raw bar, costing a cool $575. It features two pounds of king crab (or four pounds, if stone crab is unavailable), two pounds of stone crab, six orders of half lobster, a dozen oysters (six east coast and six west coast), and 12 pieces of juicy shrimp. It’s the ultimate shared shellfish experience. Make a reservation at Oceana.

L’Abattoir’s No. 1 Gaoler’s Mews, Vancouver, British Columbia
Once a month, the team at L’Abattoir in Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighborhood hosts an intimate and immersive VIP dining experience titled No. 1 Gaoler’s Mews. The restaurant-within-a-restaurant chef’s table experience offers eight culinary aficionados a unique opportunity to take part in a seasonal 10-course meal of French-via-West-Coast fare prepared by award-winning chef Lee Cooper. The splurge-worthy evening also includes personalized welcome packages mailed in advance, fine crystal glassware and table settings, custom décor, and keepsake gifts for each guest to take home. Individual tickets are priced at $275 (includes food and wine pairings, keepsake gifts, tax, and gratuity) and are released on the 1st of each month, one month prior to the event. Learn more here.

Le Moo, Louisville, Kentucky
Go ultra-luxe at Le Moo with a unique chef’s tableside presentation of the $248 Miyazaki Wagyu, a Grade A5, marble score-10 cut from Miyazaki, Japan, considered the best steak in the world. Mark the moment with a complimentary certificate of authenticity featuring an official nose-print from the cattle and the option to add your fingerprint. Next-level things by calling ahead and requesting to dine at Le Moo’s one-of-a-kind vintage Louis Vuitton booth, which is made with 17 pieces of vintage luggage and accommodates four to five diners. Make a reservation at Le Moo.

ROOH
Didn’t get a fat refund? Don’t fret. The team at ROOH has you covered with tax-free libations all day at the bar and on the patio to raise your spirits, from 11:30AM-10PM. ROOH’s signature Indian-inspired cocktails tap into the six Rasas (sweet, sour, salt, bitter, pungent, and astringent) and include Patna Fizz, made with gin, lychee, mushroom, egg white, and ROOH masala. Make a reservation at ROOH.

Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Vancouver, British Columbia
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar is known for its award-winning seafood-forward cuisine, thoughtful wine program, and a refined dining experience. Spoil yourself with the over-the-top Seafood Tower Royale, which, at $500 is one of the showiest items on the menu — and for good reason. The majestic seafood tower features three tiers of premium West Coast seafood served on ice with elegant garnishes. The most expensive seafood tower in Vancouver, this wow-worthy tower, with two dozen oysters, two pounds of Nova Scotia lobster, two pounds of Alaskan crab, caviar service, and an array of composed seafood plates, is designed to impress VIPs. Make a reservation at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.

SakaMai, New York, New York
Chef Takanori Akiyama elevates the humble sandwich at his revered Lower East Side spot with the Wagyu Katsu Sando. Priced at $85, it is an ode to the classic Japanese preparation and features the center section of an A5-grade Miyazaki Wagyu beef fillet that is then breaded, fried, and served between two pieces of lightly toasted, crustless milk bread and topped with a housemade katsu sauce. The ingredients are limited, so the restaurant serves just five sandwiches per day. Plan ahead and get there early. Wash it back with a selection from their extensive sake and shochu offerings. Make a reservation at SakaMai.

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