Or what was the most snobbish even that you didn't enjoy? [/URL]
A while ago I used to work for a big law firm. When the chief IP counsel for one of the firm's biggest clients was coming into town, some partners wanted to wine and dine him. So they made reservations at L'Espalier in Boston. For those not in the "the know" L'Espalier is "the" French restaurant to go to in Boston. They have very few tables, and the wait list to get in is (or at least at that time was) at least a couple weeks. So the reservations were made, and I was asked to go because I handled a lot of work for this client.
Fast forward a couple of weeks. Day of the reservation arrives. Unfortunately the client's counsel had to change his plans and could not come to Boston that day. This put the partners in a conundrum, because L'Espalier (at least at that time) would charge you for the meal if you cancelled your reservation less than 2 days in advance. Since it was the day of, the partners decided to invite my wife to join them and me for dinner. Being a mid level associate, I could not say no. Little did I know I was in for one of the most uncomfortable experiences of my life.
We go the restaurant that evening, and on the outside it looked nice. But when I open the door the Maitre D greets us by informing us that my wife's dress (which was nice) does not meet their dress code because it ends above the knee and was to "risque" for their clientele. So we leave, go to a local retailer and buy a new dress for my wife, which thankfully passes muster.
Dinner comes, and the Maitre D for our table informs us what we will be eating that night, which consists of a bunch of shell food, snails, and various other items I don't care for. When asked if there was anyway i could get a meal without seafood, I was greeted with a snort and a most sarcastic "I'm sorry monsieur but the chef does not permit substitutions and would be most offended if I asked. You will just have to enjoy what is brought to you."
Following that exchange, dinner began with each person receiving an initial course of crackers and cheese, which was brought to each person at precisely the same time by individual waiters. I reach for my knife to cut into the cheese, only to hear a "hruumph!" from the Maitre D! Apparently he was pissed that I was going to start eating before he explained what was so graciously set before us. So I put my knife down and then patiently listened while the maitre D nearly orgasms in delight as he describes the characteristics of the (ultimately rather disgusting) cheese set before me. Following the description, I take one bite of the cheese, push my plate away, and don't touch it further.
To make a long story short, the remainder of the evening proceeds in much the same way. In total, I spent about 4 hours in the restaurant, dealing with a ridiculously snobby maitre D and having discussions about the fineries of coq au vin with partners who felt that they had to fake knowing something about the subject. And then I almost choked on my wine when I saw the check. $2600 for a table of 4. Guess it costs ~$650/person to have the privilege of eating shitty cheese and be insulted by a stuck up food presenter.
Cliffs:
I was invited to an over priced piece of shit restaurant and was insulted the whole damn time while my partners oohh'd and ah'd over bullshit.
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