What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on a meal? Was it worth it?

Writing Prompt

Ah, dining out. There’s something magical about it—the shared laughter, the clinking of glasses, the aroma of sizzling dishes wafting through the air. I’ve always been a bit of a foodie, never one to shy away from spending a pretty penny on an unforgettable meal. But let me tell you about the most money I’ve ever dropped on dinner and whether it was truly worth it.

Back in the day, before I dove into the world of homeownership and all those lovely mortgage payments, I was living life with a spoon and fork in hand—quite literally! Three to four times a week, I treated myself to dinner at some amazing spots around town. I often found myself dropping between $80 to $100 for a solo meal, and honestly, I reveled in it. It was like I had a VIP pass to culinary heaven, and I wasn’t afraid to use it!

Some evenings, I would find myself at places like Pig and the Lady, where innovative Vietnamese cuisine left me dreaming long after the last bite. Then there was Senia, a restaurant that felt like a modern art gallery with food; each dish was a masterpiece, an explosion of flavors that had my taste buds dancing. And let’s not forget the moment I paired my meal with a gorgeous glass of wine, the rich notes complementing every bite and transforming the experience into pure bliss. Livestock Tavern was my go-to for comfort food with a twist, while Fete took the crown as my all-time favorite. The atmosphere, the service, and the food—oh, the food! It was a divine experience that left me feeling full in both body and soul.

And what’s a great meal without dessert, right? The desserts at these restaurants were nothing short of spectacular—gorgeous creations that looked almost too beautiful to eat. Each dish was artfully plated, whether it was a delicate tart, a decadent chocolate mousse, or a bright and refreshing sorbet that danced on my palate. Naturally, I could not help but get that Instagram photo posted; capturing these delectable creations felt essential, a way to share the experience with my friends and followers. These sweet endings were truly the icing on the cake (pun totally intended)!

But like all good things, those days took a shift when I purchased my own place and found myself looking down the barrel of a mortgage. Suddenly, dinner out became a rare treat rather than a regular indulgence. I had to cut back on those lavish meals, now treating myself maybe once a month. I realized that I didn’t mind trading a night out for something that would provide long-term security—my home.

So, was that splurge worth it? In a word, yes. Each exquisite meal crafted by talented chefs was an adventure, a moment captured in time that I’ll cherish forever. They gave me stories to tell, memories to hold onto, and a profound appreciation for the art of cooking that goes far beyond just eating. And while I may have scaled back on my dining-out habits, I’m still grateful for every delicious experience I’ve had.

Now, when I splurge on a fancy meal, it’s all the more special—a celebration to mark important milestones or simply to treat myself for working hard. In a way, I suppose it keeps the magic alive—the delight of a well-cooked dish, a fine glass of wine, and a stunning dessert is still one of life’s greatest pleasures, and every once in a while, it’s worth every single dollar spent.

So here’s to the culinary journeys we embark on, where every bite tells a story, every glass evokes a toast, and every dessert brings a smile. After all, life’s too short not to savor the good stuff!