Vespertine was the second of two Michelin starred local restaurants that we sampled during our quarantine. I accidentally came upon it on Tock after it had completed two prior takeout themed menu offerings. A few months before the pandemic, a coworker had indulged in the in-person multi-course meal and wine pairing and had shared his photos of the evening.

After experiencing several courses in different sections and floors of the restaurant and splurging $700 per person, as beautiful as the presentation appeared, the $175 hourly rate for the 4 hour evening seemed a bit exorbitant, so I wasn’t quite inclined to quickly make reservations.

However, when the 12 course $65 per person Southern feast takeout offering came to my attention, I did the math. It was an investment that was worth the risk of not knowing what low country Southern cooking provided so I made my reservation and purchased the dinner for two on faith.

I arrived at the restaurant a few minutes prior to my 5 p.m. reservation. I checked in with the hostess clad all in black with matching black face mask. We were each assigned a parking space where we would be provided with our to go bag which was placed directly in the trunk of our cars. I waited about fifteen minutes before my dinner arrived and headed home.

The package came with a menu packet which explained the historical, societal and cultural influences of each dish.

The care and respect given to each dish and the written documented historical reference moved me to tears.

It was apparent that some of the items were rooted in sorrow, hardship and endurance, much like what we were facing during the pandemic.

I acknowledged the “first world” problems we had now compared with the dire necessities and oppression that prior generations faced as we ate our meal in gratitude.

We used our slightly upgraded dinnerware, because the attention to care and detail in the menu warranted that respect in kind.

The television was turned off and instead, we listened to the songs of an old school soulful blues singer, Elmore James.

It provided the perfect ambiance to the sensory experience the meal provided.

Our at-home dining of Vespertine’s low country southern feast was a journey in time through socioeconomic and geographical traditions and culture, all by way of food. We so appreciated the care and effort that was taken to transport us to the South through a bountiful and delicious culinary education. It was a beautiful, soulful and transformational experience.

Vespertine

3599 Hayden Avenue

Culver City, CA 90232

http://vespertine.la