Got a Per Se reservation- have questions
So finally, the stars aligned with my schedule, and I was able to get a Per Se reservation for December. Cue excitement. A friend (with whom I have cooked some dishes from the French Laundry Cookbook) and I are very much looking forward to it, having drunkenly slept through our Ad Hoc reservations when we were in the Napa Valley this summer. (We had been unable to get French Laundry rezzies that night; I was bummed at the time, but looking back it's a blessing in disguise).
So I had a few questions for those of you in the know. First, we're 22 and 23 years old - full-time grad students. Someday, we hope to have a lot of money, but for now... well, education is expensive. We're aware of the $275/head tasting menu, but what can we expect to spend on wine? When I go out to eat, I enjoy a glass, maybe two, but I don't want to be considered cheap at a great restaurant. Do they expect us to order lots of wine? Any advice on handling that situation?
Also, the other thing - we got a table for four because it was more available than a table for two. However- we're 22 and 23 and none of our other friends are willing to drop six weeks' food budget on one meal. We're optimistic that we'll be able to find some people to fill the other two seats, but what if we don't? I can't find any information about cancellation fees before the 72-hour window, but definitely don't want to pay them. Could we let another person use my reservation if someone, say, from Serious Eats or Craigslist wanted a table for four on a lovely December evening? Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to auction the table on Ebay, just trying to make sure all the bases are covered just in case.
Thanks in advance :) I'm very excited, having had varying degrees of success in recreating French Laundry cookbook recipes. It's going to be fun to see what they're actually intended to taste like.
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5 Comments:
I've eaten at Per Se, and have a medical condition which limits my wine consumption, and have had meals at starred restaurants in Paris, with an apprentice who is 19, and on a budget. We both simply explained our limits, and never had a problem or attitude issues.
These people thrive on providing incredibly good service, and they're income is not based on your wine consumption.
I'd say be honest with them (they'll know/asume anyway), and let them help you, that's what they're there for;make sure you express your love food and cooking, they'll love you back, ask for a kitchen tour, ENJOY !!!
as for the table, I have no idea, though again you should just be honest with them up-front, maybe stop in and ask what to do.
jfoureur at 3:44PM on 10/28/09
yes, definitely see if they'll give you a tour. The kitchen is awesome and has a live video of the French Laundry.
avideater at 3:53PM on 10/28/09
Plenty of people don't drink wine for religious or personal reasons, so they shouldn't even bat an eyelash if you refrain from ordering wine or only order a glass. I agree with jfoureur, these people make their reputation on providing excellent food AND service, no matter who you are. So just be yourselves and enjoy it! As for the table reservation, just be sure if you send someone else (from craigslist or some other intermediary source) in your place that you trust them to actually follow through. If they flake, the cancellation fee will still go on your credit card and you'll have no recourse. They lose nothing.
lauracarmen at 6:09PM on 10/28/09
Get swept up in the moment, that's why you're there. I dined there for two, early '04, much greener and poorer in my fine dining.
Are you going to start with a cocktail? Champagne? Some other aperitif? Will you want to finish more than just coffee as well? Port, whiskey, etc? Will you remember an extra $15 or the bubbles and oak chasing the salmon cornet as you toast to the next few hours.
As for wine proper, do not forget about half bottles. They're a nice way to get off the 'by the glass' menu. We had still memorable 1/2 of Gevrey Chambertin and white by the glass, perfectly fine.
Above all, be earnest, honest, and enthusiastic about the experience. And don't take pictures.
tryptophan at 4:44AM on 10/30/09
i got to meet the PerSe sommelier ina recent trip to NYC... his name is JAMES and he's super nice. I am sure that if you explain your tastes and preferences, he'll be able to recommend wine options that will fit your budget and taste.
Don't quote me on this, but I think i've heard they have a wine supplement to go with their tasting menu (I am dying to try their vegetarian tasting menu) its about $100 for glasses of wines that will go with each course... maybe they have something similar but for 1/2 the courses... when you're shelling $200+ for dinner, what's $75-100 more to have the full experience, no??
MadelynRodriguez at 10:23AM on 11/07/09