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

Growing up in the Midwest during the seventies, the youngest of seven children, dining out was a rare treat for our family. I cherish the memories of visiting the A&W Drive-In and the excitement of placing an order and having the food delivered by a roller-skating server. I enjoyed indulging in county fair food to the point of feeling too full to sleep later that evening. It was an era of uncomplicated moments and humble meals; that was the essence of my upbringing.

On the other end of the spectrum lies what I consider to be “fine dining.” I generally exercise frugality when it comes to spending significant amounts on a single meal, considering it a one-time expense. Nevertheless, there are occasions when a superb meal greatly enriches the overall experience. Below are a few instances of expensive meals that I have not regretted investing in thus far.

GORDAN RAMSAY STEAK (LAS VEGAS)

Most days when in Vegas, we usually opt for a swift meal at the café adjacent to Gordon Ramsay Steak. Although pricey, it’s not exorbitant. However, we did indulge in a steak dinner for two one evening, which with tip was quite expensive. While it was enjoyable, I’m hesitant to say it was worth the cost.

THE CORAL REEF RESTAURANT (DISNEY WORLD)

If memory serves me right, we dined as a family at Epcot at the Coral Reef Restaurant within the Living Seas exhibit. The atmosphere was amazing with the floor to ceiling windows overlooking the aquarium. Despite the extravagant cost for our new family of 3, the experience was absolutely priceless and worth every single penny!

CHANHASSEN DINNER THEATRE (CHANHASSEN, MN)

This location holds a captivating allure. Collectively, we have witnessed approximately 20 or more performances spanning the last 30 years (my favorite? “Sleuth”). When considering the quality of the shows, the pricing is reasonable, and the culinary offerings surpass expectations. The personnel are diligently observant, striking the right balance without becoming intrusive, and the atmosphere encompasses all one could desire…provided that tickets are secured promptly upon release.

THE 1912 HOUSE (CLEAR LAKE, IOWA)

Sadly, this exceptional restaurant is no longer present in North Central Iowa. We had reserved this Victorian home, which had been converted into a restaurant in the late 80s, for our rehearsal dinner before our wedding day. The ambiance was elegant yet welcoming, and the cuisine was truly delightful. Naturally, the bill for 15-20 people was not insignificant. We cherished this establishment and wish it were still open.

HARD ROCK CAFE (ROME, ITALY)

The cost for the meal wasn’t tremendous, but it wasn’t cheap either. Tucked away in a corner of the restaurant with my wife, enjoying great wine and a delicious meal, the thing I recall most about this visit was the numerous Italians all around us clamboring to be able to do Michael Jackson karaoke, and they were quite good too.

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAKHOUSE (PITTSBURGH, PA)

Thankfully, this meal in downtown Pittsburgh didn’t cost me a dime. Even though we were hosting our client for lunch after a morning meeting, the cost to the company was still one of the most expensive meals I’ve ever had. I liked the food well enough, but I’m glad when it came time to pay for the company at the table, I pulled out my corporate AMEX. Another time we ate at Monterey Bay Fish Grotto at the top of Mount Washington and that time paired a spectacular view with an expensive meal as well…so worth it!

---

Be sure to let me know the most expensive meal you’ve partaken in and if it was worth it…with a comment below.