Growing up in small town in Pennsylvania is perfect for anyone who likes home-cooked food, and tummy-warming, sleep inducing portions of authentic American food. I’m still partial to my Nana’s cakes and cookies and generally prefer a juicy hamburger to a steak tartar (although the steak is growing on me!).As my culinary odyssey has matured (including my own cooking) my husband and I have also ventured into nicer restaurants to check out the ‘commercial competition.’ I’ve started to become excited about cooking – pairing flavors, offsetting sweet with savory, and tapping into the fusion of all the ingredients that gives a restaurant Michelin prestige.
As a result, in July, we splurged on a Michelin-starred restaurant. One such restaurant was while we were in Jersey in the Channel Islands in July. We made reservations for Bohemia, which turned out to be an incredible night of food and a 3 hour long dinner.
After an amazing appetizer and main course, we decided we’d have to continue on an equally amazing dessert, so we ordered the sampler dessert platter to share, and two coffees. The coffee came out, and a minute later, a 5 tiered tray of various “mini” desserts. The waiter described each of the desserts – there were at least 8 options, and then asked which of them we’d like. I was kind of surprised that they were not giving us one of each as we had ordered the sampler. I didn’t want to come across as greedy but the truth was I was entitled to it and the dessert wasn’t cheap – so I chose almost all of the types except for one. My husband then followed my lead and said, “Give me one of everything.”
When the waiter left, we sensed something was up. And I thought back to what had just happened. The waiter had given me a strange look when I asked for almost one of everything. My husband looked over at me embarrassed as he came to a realization. He said, “I don’t think that was the dessert. That may have been the complimentary cookie that we get with a coffee.”
Ten minutes later this came out.
I got into what I call a major “laughing fit” throughout the rest of our time at the restaurant. I can only imagine what the waiters were saying about us back in the kitchen. Probably something like, “Those Americans and their big portions. Did they really need 20 desserts?!”
I finished off the night by eating what I thought was an edible stick/cone attached to one of the biscuits. It was really crunchy, but okay. My husband informed me that was not meant to be eaten. Sometimes I can’t get rid of my small town girl roots. But you know what? I’m proud of them.
And the truth is maybe I still have a little learning to do. Jim, I think this means we have to go to a few more restaurants like this so I can “practice” my etiquette….
Visited in July 2012
December 10, 2012
Channel Islands, Travel