When a waiter/ress recites the specials without mentioning prices, they should clearly be within the range of similiar items. It's infuriating when they're not. Honestly, I hate specials told to me without mention of price, as if money doesn't matter. It does, and it's a rude practice that often results in the same kind of "gotcha" experience you had.
Aside from money, I prefer the specials to be written, either on a blackboard or sheet of paper, so I don't have to memorize all the preparations or ask, "tell me again how the salmon is prepared?"
Favorite Toast: May the best days of your past be the worst days of your future. (Opinions expressed on this forum are my own and not a reflection of Zagat management)