BITE OUT THE BOX

The economy is taking a nosedive, but chef Ricardo Cardona hopes his diners choose to eat their way out of the recession.

For the tidy sum of $1,000, customers at Sofrito on E. 57th St. can chow down on a paella that is sure to get the taste buds - and the bank balance - tingling.

The rice and seafood combination, complete with truffles and truffle oil, baby eel, octopus, Maine lobster and Alaskan prawns, has been specially created to celebrate Latin Month.

With ingredients imported from Spain, Italy and all over the U.S., Cardona can guarantee there will be no belt-tightening at his establishment.

"Who said 'recession'? Who said 'bad economy'?" he said.

"I think that's the way to fight the bad economy, and if you have the money to spend, then why not enjoy yourself?"

Cardona came up with the idea after hearing about the city's other off-the-chart expensive meals, such as a $1,000 pizza, $1,000 bagel and $25,000 dessert.

Sofrito attracts A-listers like Jennifer Lopez and Mets star Carlos Beltran, so with 20% of the proceeds from the dish going to Ayuda - a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged Latino youngsters - owner Genaro Morales hopes it will be a popular choice during the month-long promotion.

"I think the dish is fabulous," he said. "We're doing it to celebrate Latin heritage and also for a very good cause."

If paella is not your dish of choice, flush patrons of VIP Strip Club on W.20th St. can also take advantage of a new $1,000 promotion.

This one includes a bottle of Dom Perignon Champagne, caviar, a half-hour lap dance in a private room - and a signed G-string from the entertainer of your choice.