This was not my most expensive meal, but it was the most expensive meal I managed to ruin.

I got back jetlagged from a trip, but had reservations at French Laundry. So what that I've been falling asleep at 5 p.m., nothing a little NoDoze won't cure, I figure. Well, I take one about two hours prior to the ressie, no effect so I pop another. An hour later, no effect so I pop another. By the time I sat down I'd taken four.

About three courses into dinner I am horribly uncomfortable and all I concentrate on is maintaining my composure (not feeling wired, just very sick to my stomach) until the check is settled and we can leave (of course there are still several courses coming, which I discreetly handoff to my husband, who didn't mind). We ordered champagne and two different half bottles of wine, neither of which I could drink.

At least the first three courses were decent ... but the worst part is I couldn't even eat dessert. Very unlike this chocolate lover. I think that dinner was literally about $80 a bite for me. But at least I've learned my NoDoze limit.