It used to be so much fun and eagerly anticipated when we would go out for dinner to a more “upscale” restaurant when we visited New York City. For the life of me I do not remember the name of the restaurant that we visited. Baffled, as this was not a common occurrence for us, we found ourselves surrounded at tables by 20-something year-olds and couples indulging with babies at their tables. I remember well the couple at a neighboring table ordering a plate of mashed potatoes for a baby I assume was about 18 months old, and I thought to myself, “Wow, that is really expensive baby food.” No one was dressed even in their Shabbat clothing and it was just a run-of-the-mill night out for dinner for our surrounding neighbors. Not for us.
Fast forward to many years later, and I eagerly read each day the comments on the Great Kosher Restaurants site and wonder how it is possible for so many to be spending so much in restaurants throughout the tri-state area. It all looks delicious and exciting and yes, there are times that I am truthfully jealous of the ever-changing restaurant scene with the knowledge that chances are unlikely that I will ever visit any of these establishments. Firstly, I lost my date and secondly, the cost seems to be out of control. B”H we are living in a world where many seem to be able to afford the prices of going out today, and I have no doubt that the same people are generous in their tzedakah-giving as well.
Lo and behold I was given an extremely generous birthday gift ($500) from two very good friends, who suggested I use it to take my children out for dinner. The cash was sitting in a compartment in my purse waiting for me to decide where to splurge. As I said, I am slightly knowledgeable about the restaurant scene today even though I have not visited most of the establishments, and have become an expert at “coffee” locally or an occasional lunch. I debated and thought and knew that if we went to a Manhattan venue that was not fast food the bill was going to be much higher than my gift). I also knew that this was something I would probably never do again and wanted to make it special for everyone. After consulting with a friend I trusted who had experienced several of the restaurants I was considering, I made my decision.
I WhatsApped my local children and set a date which worked for everyone (not an easy feat) and made a reservation for us to dine at Tabernacle. It was suggested that I make the reservation for a table upstairs where it would be slightly more quiet and indeed it was a pleasure.
Even though for some this is so normal, for me it was not, and I was very excited to spend time with all of my children and their spouses (except for Malkie in Rochester) not at a Shabbat or Yom Tov meal but doing something equally as festive and special. We did have the very best time. I told everyone that this was a once-in-a-lifetime splurge (unless I win the lottery) and we should go all out. We had cocktails, we ordered and shared and ordered! I had heard of a Tomahawk steak but did not really know what that meant. (It was for four, cut at the table, with all of the hoopla that it should receive.) Our service was impeccable and all of the food, including yummy desserts, was outstanding. I have to admit that it was one of the happiest, most satisfying nights of my life in the past three years. I had no regrets in making this decision.
Watching the way my kids interact with each other and the blending of brothers- and sisters-in-law with each other is the best for me. I have begun to detest the term “in-law” as my children’s choices of partners have only enlarged my conception of how many children I have.
There is something very special about not taking things for granted. I am sure that if we were to do this on a regular basis it would have been nowhere as special (and I would be bankrupt). A big thank you to Malca and Susan in Montreal whose gift gave me the incentive to really splurge on those who are most special to me. When I confided to one of them how much the bill actually was she asked if we had all eaten roast beef!!! I thought that was so funny and so “old world.” Who today even heard of roast beef!? Phew, I do consider myself to be more of the real world these days. The total bill was $1,552. Obscene, right? Yet so wonderful for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience with those I love most.
Nina Glick, formerly of Montreal, resides in Bergenfield and welcomes your comments and ideas. She can be reached at nina@jewishlinknj.com
