Last night I went for dinner to a slightly casual fancy French restaurant.
That’s how I’d describe it.
One considered to be Michelin star, situated in a restored historical landmark. With a gorgeous setting; named after a village in Southern France where Picasso spent his pottery and ceramic painting years.
One I’ve been wanting to try and waiting for a special occasion but the occasion never arrived. So I decided last night would be it.
Alone. Well, not completely alone because I had my two shelties in tow…because you can do that in Palm Springs. You may not be able to take them on many hiking trails anymore, but restaurants welcome well behaved canines. I’m not going to question this logic. Think it has something to do with them disturbing big-horn sheep. Anyway, having said that, they were the only two in the place and did receive some attention as a result of. They lay down quietly and behaved themselves.
It felt quite natural and somewhat bold up until the maitre d, realizing no one would be joining me, took the other place setting away and the couples started rolling in. Before too long the place filled up. One couple even brought a youngster at which point I felt my dogs were more well behaved.
I tried to ignore the couples however it began to feel somewhere in between completely natural and slightly awkward. A waiter positioned a large white board featuring daily specials handwritten like artwork on an easel in front of me and placed a leather bound menu on the table. I decided on the dégustation menu – a sampling of smaller portions of some of the chef’s signature dishes. This offering changes weekly. It was incredible.
In between courses over an enjoyable glass of pinot noir, I began to question why I should feel strange sitting on my own. After all I wanted to enjoy a quiet gastronomic experience.
I guess perhaps because it was not a cafeteria or a coffee shop but instead a romantic restaurant.
In any event I’m happy I experienced taking myself out on a romantic date. I can now cross this little chapter off my list and go back to cafeterias and coffee shops by myself. And Luckily there are no big horn sheep allowed in the restaurants….so far. Because my dogs make darn good dining companions. The customers don’t seem to disturb them but the sheep would.
Le Vallauris celebrates it’s 40th year in Palm Springs as the leading French – Mediterranean restaurant with the highest rating in the Valley by Zagat Survey, AAA, American Express and many others for many years
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