italianchef Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Yesterday ended my 7.5 year career in banking. I left the boring project management job I had because I was offered an exciting marketing job from an awesome consulting company. 10 years ago I received my MBA in marketing and have never held a full-time marketing job - until now! To celebrate this fantastic professional achievement, I wanted to take Mrs. Chef someplace special. And no place in my mind was more special than Jean-Robert at Pigall's - the ONLY 4-star restaurant in Cincinnati. I made reservations, which is probably a good idea. http://www.pigalls.com/ We went last night for dinner. It was the first time in my life I ever wore a suit just to go to a restaurant. Heck, before last night I don't think I ever dined at a 2-start restaurant. Pigall's doesn't look big from the outside. But it is fairly spacious inside. The dimly lit restaurant is impeccably decorated. Flowers, painting, and porcelain are spread throughout the dining room. We started on French-imported drinks - white wine for my wife and rose for me - in the bar. After our table was ready, we were led to our table. Pigall's has two Prix-Fixe Menus. One is a three-course meal that begins at $74 and the other is a five-course meal. Mrs. Chef requested the three course meal since we are not super-big eaters. We were given the choice between Perrier and mineral water - and Mrs. Chef chose mineral water. Before our first courses arrived, we were served soup and small appetizers, "compliments of Jean Robert," said our server. Though I cannot recall what we ate, I do remember that everything was tasty. Next came our first course. Mrs. Chef ordered tartar of tuna with caviar, papaya, and salsify poached quail egg. She told me that her dish was excellent. My first course was lamb ravioli with mustard sauce - and it was exquisite. One of the servers rough us seared foie gras after our first course, also, "compliments of Jean Robert." I admit that I was reluctant to try goose liver, but tried it. It was an interesting experience, but I asked my wife to finish my serving since it wasn't my cup of tea. Thereafter we were served bread and soon the main course was served. Mrs. Chef selected sea scallops with apple cider sage sauce, fall cabbage with medley of mushroom and fingerling potatoes. My choice was bleu cheese crusted beef tenderloin with carrots and potatoes. Our main courses were excellent and filling. Then came dessert. Mrs. Chef had the vanilla crème brulee with fresh fruit. I chose the pumpkin cream cheese mousse with warm spice cake and brown sugar sauce. We were stuffed beyond belief, but were served a final complimentary course: truffles with cookies. In my life, I had never experienced such high quality cuisine and service. With each course that was presented, the server announced what the dish was, what sauce would accompany it, and poured the sauces over our dishes. Mrs. Chef was always referred to as "Ma'am" and I was always referred to as "Sir". Our drinks were promptly refilled. We were provided with fresh silverware after each course. All of the servers spoke with great dignity. In total, my bill with tax and tip was approximately $263 - and it was worth every penny. Before last night I never spent as much as $100 for dinner as I am NOT wealthy. Far from it. I buy my clothes at outlets and pinch pennies to make ends meet. But to celebrate the glory of my career change, I wanted to share a superior cultural and culinary experience with my beautiful wife. Pigall's granted us with food and service that we will remember for years to come. It was a magnificent experience. Have a great weekend! Italian Chef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoddaH1994 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Charles -- You don't know how happy am I for you about the new gig. I've known Charles for about three years and he has always HATED his job... no, I mean, I THOUGHT I hated my job, but I totally bow down to how much he hated his bank job. The best of luck to you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cory Butcher Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Congratulations on your new career! I wish you many years of happiness with your new career! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKIVortex Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Congrats and best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Interpreter Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Wow! You go, Charles! And I am so glad you and your wife had a great dining experience! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monroe Posted March 31, 2007 Share Posted March 31, 2007 Wonderfull news italianchef, i'm glad you had a great time. I did one up you though, I was afforded the oppertunity to dine at Le Jules Verne on the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower. Although I did not get away with a 4 course meal for 2 under $300,(it was actualy $386 or 288 euro) I was able to dine in shorts and sport shirt. I have had several business dinners at Jean-Robert at Pigall's and I thought the service was better than Le Jules Verne, but every where you go in Paris it is very laid back and hard to find good service for Americans. I hope your new job works out for you good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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