Dining Like Royalty: My $450 Michelin-Starred Lunch

Who among us hasn’t yelled, “Treat yo’self!” when we made a frivolous purchase (I’m looking at you, handbag)? – Me

I love spoiling and pampering myself every day every now and then; it’s a part of my strict self-care regimen. Happiness is a key component of one’s overall well-being and I highly encourage everyone to “find your happy” and indulge a bit. And, yes, for all you finger-waggers I know the best things in life aren’t attached to a price tag but sometimes it’s necessary to spend a little.

After I had my heart broken in Paris by a most unworthy man (long story), I decided retail therapy was the best way to repair my bruised ego. After walking what felt like every block in the city and tearing through some Parisian boutiques and assuring my bank’s fraud department that, yes indeed, it was I who was making those purchases, I realized I hadn’t eaten all day. Like a desert mirage, I saw the Hôtel Pont Royal in the distance and knew what culinary delight lay beyond the doors: L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Saint Germain, the 2 Michelin-starred contemporary haute cuisine gem.

After chatting up a Russian couple who looked like a 90s rap duo, draped in gold chains and furs, they told me I must try the truffle carbonara. My server nodded in agreement and I decided to splurge a bit more and order the langoustine en papillote and entrecôte as well–my own petite tasting menu.

What followed was the best meal I’ve ever had in my life. When the bill arrived, I wasn’t shocked to see that my total had come to 369€ ($450 USD) but it definitely put things in perspective, considering my plane ticket to France only cost $432. All said and done, it was well worth it.

Treat yo’self, indeed.

2018-01-20 19:42:55

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TRUFFE CARBONARA

TRUFFE CARBONARA

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ENTRECÔTE

ENTRECÔTE

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LANGOUSTINE

LANGOUSTINE