Want to hear a good one?

Despite the flailing economy, another New York restaurant is about to open. (And this ain’t the last of them. Stay tuned.) On Monday, chef Gerry Hayden (formerly of Aureole) and Steve Tzolis (the man behind Il Cantinori, Bar Six, and Periyali) will open Amuse in the former Tonic spot.

If this (to say nothing of the name) isn’t enough to have you rolling in the aisles, get this: The menu’s organized by price.

Laugh it up, but you can’t argue with the user-friendly gimmick. Depending how your portfolio’s looking these days, you can choose from the $5, $10, $15, $20, $35, $45, or $55 sections. Sound like someone’s taken the romance out of the dining experience? You’re not likely to think so once you’ve tasted such dishes as marinated calamari, basil-basted mussels, rouget salad Nicoise, yellowfin tuna sashimi, short ribs, and peppered duck breast. Desserts — creme brulee and chocolate napoleon — are just a flat five bucks and so delicious that even the most frugal will come back for more.

Now who’s laughing all the way to the bank?

Amuse, 108 West 18th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues (212-929-9755).