To Budget or Not to Budget for a $500 Dinner

By The Billfold November 14, 2013

by B. Benson

From: Best friend from childhood who lives across the country who you only see about once a year
Subject: Marathon
To: B. Benson

Bob! My sister is running the New York Marathon in November so my family is flying in to cheer her on. Make sure you’re free that weekend!

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

Hey, you’re coming!? I’m totally excited to see you. I can help make posters like we did way back when we were in student government together. What are you planning on doing while you’re here?

From: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: B. Benson

EATING. We’re going to celebrate after my sister finishes the marathon — want to come to dinner with us?

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

Um. YES. I’m always up for a good meal!

From: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: B. Benson

Oh, and I think we’re going to Per Se to celebrate!

•••

Googles Per Se Menu

•••

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

I just tried to look at the menu, but couldn’t find prices (so annoyed when they do that). But this is expensive, right? Like, $300? LOL. EEEEEEK.

From: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: B. Benson

Yes, but we’ll also probably order wine so it’ll be somewhere between $400-$500. But service is included! It’s not cheap.

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

WELL IF SERVICE IS INCLUDED… Uh, the most I have ever spent on dinner was $200, and that was because I was trying to be a gentleman and paying for a date! Can I think about this?

From: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: B. Benson

Okay, let me know ASAP, though, because reservations are hard to get. I know it’s a lot! I’m dipping into savings and canceling my Netflix account.

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

$500 is, like, six years worth of Netflix!

From: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: B. Benson

LOL. I KNOW. But I probably won’t get to see my sister for a long time after this because she is moving overseas for a job, so this is one big blowout for her, basically. If it’s too expensive, I’m sure my parents will be happy to help cover you.

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

Oh, wow, that’s super generous, but I would not feel at all comfortable having your parents spend that much on me. I’m just going to be really honest here and say that I could probably save enough money to do this, but I also feel weird spending that much money on one dinner. How about I pass on this and I take you out for burgers when you are here?

From: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: B. Benson

Yes, of course. Also, OMG, BOB, I just realized how crazy it was that I asked you to come to a $500 per person dinner and was like, “JUST BUDGET FOR THIS.”

From: B. Benson
Subject: Re: Marathon
To: BFFCWLATCWYOSAOAY

LOLOLOL. I seriously thought about it! But I’m equally excited about burgers! My treat! I’m willing to spend a whole $20 at the Shake Shack on you!

B. Benson is an office drone. Photo: Kowarski

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