it is jsut an exuse to spend over 300 dollars on beer in plastic cups

Not quite *that* much. (300 would be out of range even for me.) And I'm not sure where you're seeing beer: what we actually get is good cocktails, appetizers and desserts. (And minor freebees like free programs and the good parking.)

But it's definitely over-priced. We've done Tapis Rouge twice (both for msmemory's birthday, IIRC), and it does make for a particularly perfect evening, but I can't rationally say it's worth as much as it costs. I consider it a silly but pleasant special-occasion splurge...