The Ultimate Reservation

For the past four years, every since I knew about it, really, I've been e-mailing El Bulli--frequently cited as the best restaurant in the world--for a reservation. And almost like clockwork, I get an e-mail back a few months later stating that because of intense demand (800,000 people applying for 8,000 possible reservations, according to Wikipedia) my request couldn't be honored.

That is until yesterday...

...when I received the following e-mail:

"We regret to be late giving you an answer. The demand has been again extraordinary and is difficult to go on with the management. We have found a solution and have an option for you on

****** July *** of 2009, table for 2 people at 8.00 – 8.30 p.m.

Ferran Adrià will prepare a personalized tasting menu. You will try many different elaborations and it means many different products. It is very IMPORTANT FOR HIS CONFECTION TO KNOW IN ADVANCE if some problem exists, like ALLERGIES OR ANY OTHER PRODUCT THAT WE COULD NOT INCLUDE FOR ANYONE OF YOU.

I wait your news to fix the option and also with regard to this question to fix all the details at your reservation."

Ok, so first of all, can you believe it!?!?!? A reservation at El Bulli?!?! Please allow me to rejoice for a moment.

REJOICE!! REJOICE!! REJOICE!!

Thank you.

Now, second, wasn't that an absolutely charming e-mail? I love the muddled English, it's pretty adorable for a 3-star Michelin restaurant.

Finally:

Holy s**t, how are we going to get there??? In every sense---how will we afford a trip to Spain!?!?? And how do we know if we'll be free in July!?!?!? And if we do get to Spain, how the heck do we get to the restaurant??!?!

These are all serious concerns and yet I just wrote El Bulli back to say that we will be there--no food allergies to speak of--on the designated date this summer.

Because, at all costs, no matter what, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And we will make it work.

Stay tuned as the saga of El Bulli continues!