The Secret Society of the Round Table (With Veuve and Pizza, Of Course)

There we were—just a few friends, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, and the perfectly French-inspired kitchen with the perfect bistro lighting that we all somehow believe makes us more sophisticated than we actually are. It started like any other night: pop the cork, pour the bubbles, and let the casual banter begin amongst us couples.

But what started as a simple “let’s have a glass of champagne” turned into a full-fledged comedy show, starring the four of us.

First, there was the deep philosophical debate over why champagne tastes better when you’re laughing. (We never found the answer, but we did agree it probably has something to do with happiness… or maybe the fact that we hadn’t eaten dinner yet.) plus side not it’s Veuve Clicquot! It’s always great !

Then, the hunger hit. Hard. But not before we raided the pantry like feral raccoons and took down an alarming amount of snacks. Who knew you could eat an entire bag of cheez-its and still feel like you haven’t had dinner? The solution? The only respectable answer: ordering a pizza from the local spot in town and then pretending we hadn’t already eaten our weight in carbs before it arrived.

Somewhere between the first sip of Veuve and the last slice of pizza, things escalated. Suddenly, we were reading old note messages from years ago, cackling so hard we were crying actual tears. We also may or may not have reenacted a few of them dramatically—Oscar-worthy performances, truly. Side note for years when I’m tired or hungry I say goofy things and get my words jumbled up and TK likes to keep a running document in his notes app that is titled “Elle at night “.

And then, of course, the pièce de résistance: the birth of The Secret Society of the Round Table. No, we can’t tell you the details of our secret code phrases (because, obviously, they’re secret), but let’s just say they involve inside jokes that will haunt us forever and phrases that make no sense to anyone outside our sacred circle.

What was supposed to be a casual drink turned into a night of uncontrollable laughter, inside jokes, and a reminder that the best moments in life aren’t planned. They happen at a round table in the kitchen, with quality people, a $60 bottle of Veuve (because let’s not pretend we’re drinking Dom on a casual Friday night) and a pizza that somehow saves the night.

So here’s to friendships that bring tears of laughter, secret societies that make no sense, and kitchen round tables that turn into the heart of every unforgettable evening. Because in the end, it’s not about the price of the champagne—it’s about who’s holding the glass next to you.