At one point, we all had sons in the same class at Horace Mann. They've all graduated, but our friendships have endured. Tonight we meet to celebrate Janice's birthday.
Since all of us have apartments on the upper east side, we typically select a restaurant somewhere in the neighborhood. But when Shari suggests Lafayette (Grand Cafe and Restaurant), we all enthusiastically agree. Lafayette is fairly new (it opened in 2013), is a 'sprawling belle époque style brasserie and bakery,' is housed in a beautifully updated old building (I think), and has a large and varied menu. We are meeting tonight at 7:45.
Half of us are delayed when the #6 train gets stuck. The other half are luckier and make it downtown in less than 30 minutes. Once we all arrive (minus Brooke who unfortunately can't make it), we toast the birthday girl. Then shockingly, everyone agrees to a photo – with not a single person requesting veto power over the posted photo
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| l to r: Ronda, me, Zelia, Pam, Shari, Janice |
We all chose the burger; it is the perfect size, the brioche roll is homemade, and it comes with a generous order of fries. I would rank the burger as one of the best in the city.
The desserts taste as exquisite as they look. We order three to split, and not one morsel remains.
The food is outstanding. The restaurant charming. And the conversation engaging and expansive... from the election to kid updates to work to things I'll keep private.
The restaurant would be without flaws were it not for the noise level. We are seated near the front of the restaurant; six of us at a rectangular table. The most common comments of the night are, "What did she say?" "Can you repeat that?" "I can't hear anything." "I think I'll try reading lips."
Making conversation is easy; hearing it is not.
But even still, it's a night of shared laughs, excellent food, and lucky-to-have friends.
Happy birthday Janice. And may your wish to grow very very old be granted!
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