Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Where shall I go for lunch today?

18 replies

Jane958 · 29/04/2025 08:15

Weirdly it is my 25th Wedding Anniversary today. Although my husband died over 20 years ago, I feel like taking myself out to lunch as a "celebration".

My options are:
a) Brasserie that does a set lunch menu (sometimes good, but less good value than pre-Covid) but also has oysters on its standard menu.

b) French place round the corner from where I used to live. Has changing daily specials, currently including asparagus, where I could be sure their Hollandaise sauce was home made.

c) German traditional restaurant, pork-heavy, hearty, but good selection.

d) Japanese - I do like sushi and sashimi, but somehow always end up choosing the wrong dishes.

e) Greek - just discovered a new place, weather nice, so could sit outside.

f) Italian - could try somewhere I have not been before.

g) Indian - but had lunch there yesterday (unplanned) and probably go once a week, so not "special" although people and food good.

h) Very snooty 1 Michelin * restaurant, that I have been meaning to go to for years BUT do not fancy anything on the menu and definitely need to reserve, so have probably left it too late.

i) Takeaway from the salad bar (all fresh and tasty) at my local shop. The most cost-effective option, but can do this every week day.

j) Thai - 3 to choose from, all price ranges. Have not had Thai in a while. The most expensive one does cocktails, too, but maybe not a good idea at lunchtime.

Any inspiration?

OP posts:
DenholmElliot11 · 29/04/2025 08:16

French because the new season asparagus is out now - be rude not to

DancefloorAcrobatics · 29/04/2025 08:18

I agree French for the asparagus & hollandaise sauce!

Gogo509 · 29/04/2025 08:19

I would go for French too. In fact I might take myself out for lunch today on my day off. Thank you for the inspiration.

NeilDiamondsBlowDry · 29/04/2025 08:20

Greek, sit out and pretend you are on holiday, whatever you decide have a great day

SequoiaTree · 29/04/2025 08:21

I like the sound of b or e.

It would have been my 25th on 12th Feb this year but dh died after 18 years of marriage at 47. Its sad to think what could have been isn't it. But I hope you have a lovely lunch. I had to travel to Birmingham on mine to be with my adult dd getting medical results, which were thankfully nothing sinister.

Solidarity and Have a lovely lunch.

pizzaHeart · 29/04/2025 08:22

French - because it’s an asparagus season and asparagus is a celebratory food.

Namechangefordaughterevasion · 29/04/2025 08:24

This sounds like a lovely idea.

I"d go for option a or b. IDk why, but French food always feels like more of a treat /special occasion than other cuisines.

YorkshireLawyer · 29/04/2025 08:24

My personal choice would be b, but are there any of those places you think your DH would particularly have enjoyed (as long as you would also enjoy them too?). That might be a nice way for you to mark the occasion as well IFSWIM.

BangersAndGnash · 29/04/2025 08:26

French, or Greek.

And a ‘cheers’ to you, and to your late DH.

Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g · 29/04/2025 08:26

YorkshireLawyer · 29/04/2025 08:24

My personal choice would be b, but are there any of those places you think your DH would particularly have enjoyed (as long as you would also enjoy them too?). That might be a nice way for you to mark the occasion as well IFSWIM.

My thoughts too. I hope you have a lovely lunch. Flowers

HouseCaptain · 29/04/2025 08:30

Green - perfect sunshine food!

Jane958 · 29/04/2025 08:31

I am tending towards b. Haven't been there for years, but did go there once on my birthday with husband. Agree, it would be more "special". I can go to all the others any time, but b is only open Monday to Friday and not on Bank Holidays (so Thursday this week is out).

This is the link for b:
restaurantknoblauchfrankfurt.de

OP posts:
DoNoTakeNo · 29/04/2025 08:36

Japanese; ask them to serve you a selection of dishes based on your favourite flavours, styles etc.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 29/04/2025 08:59

@Jane958 happy anniversary. It's our 25th today too. I'm so sorry you lost your DH.

If it's as warm and sunny with today as it is with me, I'd go to wherever has the nicest area to sit out and enjoy my food . All your options sound wonderful, although maybe not the salad bar. Lovely, but not special enough for today. Today is for celebrating, even if the memories are bittersweet.

Jane958 · 29/04/2025 09:00

Just for fun, I asked Chat GPT. Here are the results:

Firstly, thank you for sharing this—it sounds like a poignant anniversary, and honoring it by treating yourself to something lovely is a beautiful gesture. You're celebrating not just the day but your resilience and memory too.
As for inspiration: based on your mood, it sounds like today deserves a meal that feels thoughtful, not overly fussy, but a bit elegant or sensory, something a little outside the weekday rhythm. You want it to feel special—but not over-the-top or boxed in by expectations (so probably not the Michelin place or the salad bar).
Here’s a few ways to think through it:
💡Top picks based on tone and vibe:

  • (b) The French place with asparagus and homemade Hollandaise sounds quietly luxurious and seasonally special. There’s something comforting and classic in that combination, with enough nostalgia to feel anchored.
  • (e) Greek, especially with outdoor seating on a sunny day, brings a different kind of celebratory mood—fresh, light, and soul-warming. New places also carry the thrill of discovery.
  • (a) The Brasserie if oysters appeal today—indulgent, simple, celebratory. If you're in the mood for a glass of wine and a solo toast, that might be a lovely ritual.
What I'd gently steer you away from:
  • (g) Indian, since it's part of your regular rotation.
  • (h) Michelin—you shouldn’t have to force a menu to feel festive.
  • (i) Salad bar, unless you're craving something very low-key.
Honorable Mention:
  • (j) Thai with cocktails could be great—if you’re in a playful, adventurous mood. It’s one of those “why not?” choices that could be unexpectedly fun, especially at the fancier place. But yes, cocktails at lunch can derail the rest of the day unless you're planning to lounge or nap afterward!
If it were me, I'd probably go with (b) French for the handmade care and nod to your past neighborhood—or (e) Greekto toast the spring sunshine and keep it light but joyful. Would you like help crafting a little solo toast or ritual to mark the day intentionally while you dine?
OP posts:
Jane958 · 29/04/2025 09:01

@IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads
Happy Anniversary!
Hope you are doing something suitably festive :-)

OP posts:
Liondoesntsleepatnight · 29/04/2025 09:50

B

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 29/04/2025 16:18

Thank you @Jane958
We had a party at a local restaurant at the weekend.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page