The Accidental Aficionado’s Hard-Earned Advice on Seeking the Best
Seeking out the best in life became a slowly developing, accidental habit of mine – and now it’s become a blaring and deliberate obsession.
It just happened. I’m not even sure how or when it started.
I’ve long joked that my life has been a search for the best prime rib on the planet. But it’s only been that – a joke. For one thing, I haven’t had the time or money to canvass the countryside for it, and it’s probably not the healthiest thing to eat much of anyway.
But when I do eat prime rib, I want it to be great. And screwing up such an exquisite piece of meat should be punishable by fine or imprisonment or both. Maybe flogging. Yeah. Flogging is good.
Meanwhile, although I’m a red wine fanatic, my wife doesn’t drink – so I usually get wines by the glass when dining out. Usually, the best wines aren’t available by the glass, and even good wines can be awful if they’ve been open for any length of time. So that can put a real damper on a quest for the best.
I’ve had to learn the best way to order glasses of wine. Now I ask for a glass of “the best red wine you’ve opened today.” It’s akin to Homer Simpson’s pathetic request on his wedding anniversary: “Waiter, a bottle of your second-best champagne!” But it’s worked fabulously for me.
Here’s what I’ve discovered about seeking the best:
- You don’t have to be rich. Set your price range and then be intentional and assertive about finding the best within that range.
- Don’t expect to know everything. No one needs that kind of pressure! Ask knowledgeable servers for their recommendations.
- Know what your priorities are. If a glass of wine or entrée are important to you at that particular moment, don’t be timid about asking for the best. Know when to let go a little: If you’re taking the trip of a lifetime, splurge a little and make it the best. Give yourself an upgrade. What the heck are you waiting for?
- Keep your ears to the ground and your eyes to the internet. When you hear an acquaintance or read an article or a social media post about a great experience, make a note of it.
- It’s absolutely essential to write out your bucket list – the things you want to do while you still can. Just as important, refer back to it frequently, to remind yourself of your dream experiences and to discipline yourself into planning, prioritizing and executing them.
- Remind yourself constantly to recognize and remark on the excellence around you. Believe me, it’s a learned behavior you must teach yourself. It takes conscious effort. Be awake to the exceptional in front of you. It’s all about paying attention to the everyday greatness in the people and experiences you’re blessed with.
It’s an attitude of gratitude. It’s the alertness to say, “Wow, that was incredible!” Allow yourself the child-like joy to say that was the best breakfast you’ve ever had, or that was the best movie you’ve ever seen.
A friend once chuckled at my claim of having just had the best brisket I’d ever had. “You’re always saying that!” the friend said. “It can’t always be true.” Actually, it can be. But even if not, what’s the harm in thinking it? And besides, the belief that you’ve just had one of the best experiences of your life is exhilarating, not to mention good for the soul.
What’s that worth to you?
