Wednesday, May 23, 2012

title pic Wealth and Privilege

Posted by dulwichmum on Sat 7 April 2007

James telephoned me this evening and invited me to join him for dinner at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant at Claridge’s for supper. James will be working for the entire bank holiday and insisted that we should snatch these opportunities when we can. I was aware however, that he had gone into work without his tie, and so would need me if he intended to eat dinner out. I am not that silly.

When I arrived at the hotel James was already in the bar, and appeared perplexed. He informed me that he had noticed two of the boarders from a local independent school “the comprehensive you pay for” (Tatler 2007) entering the restaurant for dinner.

“They dined at The Connaught during the week too”, he said “the poor boys were unaccompanied by adults, and clearly unable to travel or unwelcome at home over the Easter break” . My darling husband really is a sensitive sort underneath – very far underneath…

These little Russian boys annoy me no end. They must be just fifteen years old, and are already capable of commanding tables at the best restaurants in town on a whim. I must use James’ special concierge service, afforded by his super black charge card in order to be acquire a table. It is shocking to see such wealth and privilege afforded to children so young. How can they possibly appreciate the “Menu Prestige” with its truffle, caviar, sweetbread and pate de foie gras?

I will admit to you – I am rather bitter and jealous.

When we entered the restaurant, there they were – Dmitry and Grigory, seated at the best table in the house! They were clearly guests at Claridge’s for the entire Easter break. James was pre-occupied by the hardship of their plight, and even considered informing our neighbours – whose son George is such a close friend to the boys, in order to enquire if the two lambs could join their family for the break.

The boys sheepishly acknowledged us and sent a bottle of Krug to our table.
Russian boys have excellent manners, and both are only a little over ten years senior to Freya.

She is such a pretty little thing, I have high hopes for my baby.

Mmm…

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