Part of what obviously fails here (besides the falcon punches, with which I wholly agree) is the ability to ASK about or KNOW your milieu when agreeing to participate in such shindig shenanigans. People are always behaving above their status. From the kind of shoes they buy to their habits at the local Applebees, they're acting as if they're too good for the service they can afford. Who the fuck knows friends who would have $500/person dinners? If you DID, and these people are actually your FRIENDS, then it's safe to presume you're in their tax bracket and can afford to drop that kinda shit on dinner. Outside this, stop social climbing, status seeking, and Not Asking, and you'll never be confronted with this kind of existentially superfluous embarrassment again.

No, I totally agree with sofa.  This is simply not civilized behavior, no matter what social or economic caste one moves in.  The point isn't whether you can afford to pay the bill; when someone invites you to a party there is no assumption of having to pay your own way unless that is specified up front.

Falcon punch (or cock punch, whichever is appropriate), followed by a lecture in basic fucking etiquette and ordinary goddamn consideration of social interaction (in front of witnesses if possible), concluding with never having anything to do with the flaming asshole ever again.