Fine Dining Virgin. . .

June 9, 2009 is a day I will never forget for two reasons. I became engaged to the love of my life, and lost my fine dining virginity to a 9 course meal at Thomas Keller's restaurant Per Se. My culinary perspective is forever changed because of one dining experience. I never imagined I would be traveling to New York City to get engaged and celebrate it all at Per Se. Needless to say I was speechless, but after having a few days the let the experience sink in I can put it all into words. Walking up to Columbus circle, my heart still pounding and my mind racing, I caught a glimpse of the sign showcasing some of NYC's best chefs but still, I had know clue. Entering the building and taking the elevator up several floors, stepping off and turning the corner, There it was the blue door, I was at Per Se. The dining room is obviously beautiful exactly what one would expect from a restaurant given four stars from the New York Times. A rating that only a handful of restaurants are awarded. What I did not expect was the attention to minute details, from start to finish, including the restroom. I am sure by now I sound like a sheltered foodie farm girl who never traveled to the big city, but I have, unknowingly, been a fine dining virgin. Of course this type of dining comes with a hefty price tag, this explains why I never enjoyed this type of meal before, simple economics. The chef's tasting menu starts at $275 per person, which seems especially crazy in this economy to spend that much money on a meal but I can promise you, the experience will be priceless. My best efforts to describe the whole thing do not do it justice. Every course was amazing, the precision in the technique and attention to ingredients is inspiring. Just when you think you've had all these amazing things and it can't get better it does. The dessert course is a perfect last impression. In addition to the desserts on our menu, we were given mini creme brulee, pot de creme, house made butterscotch candies, chocolate truffles and the restaurants signature coffee and doughnuts. I know that this type of meal may not seem appealing to everyone, but if you love food, cooking and dining you have to do it at least once. As a chef and passionate cook I am truly inspired to push myself even further, and take my culinary passion to a new level. : )