A Wren Says

Two years ago, I found myself in New York City in the fall. It was a work trip, but I decided to make the best of my visit. I decided to eat well, even if I had to eat alone. I wandered down the streets and decided to head into Le Jardinier. To be honest, I Google maps stalked the place and learned that it had a Michelin star. At that point I had never gone for a fancy dinner, and certainly never did so while dining solo. This was my chance.

I entered the dimly let restaurant and noticed the many plants surrounding the space. Perhaps this has to do with the translated name, the gardener. No, instead it’s a reference to the Japanese seasonality that head chef Alain Verzerol experienced while working in the country and a nod to French culinary techniques. I approached the hostess stand on that weeknight, sheepishly asking for seating for 1. Once seated and even more shyly, I asked to do the tasting menu.

Plate after plate came out as I did my best to scrutinize what was before me. And I was pleasantly surprised to get to experience the pretentious bubbles that I often see made fun of when it comes to high cuisine. Years and a phone change later, I don’t have any pictures of my food or really memories of exactly what was served. However, what I do have is the memory.

I enjoyed the treatment from the staff, their professionalism, their explanations, and their warmth. More importantly, I found that I enjoyed dining alone. As awkward as it can be to have no one to talk to across the table, no one made me feel as if there were anything wrong.

Going into Le Jardinier, confidently choosing to enjoy a fancy meal all by myself was the beginning of a new trend for me. I no longer have fear of trying these new places, of having a dining experience all by myself. That meal is no longer the most expensive one that I have, but it was the first, truly pretentiously meal. And for that reason, I will always remember it.

Now, if you want to have your own dining experience at Le Jardinier, you are in luck if you make it in by August 30, you can enjoy lower prices on their prix fixe menu due to New York Restaurant Week.  

Daily writing prompt

What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

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