Wednesday, November 25, 2009

HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES

A couple days ago, a good friend of mine (who happens to be wealthy) was in town and we decided to go out for dinner. After hanging out for a bit, we ended up eating at this super fabulous Wolfgang Puck steakhouse named Cut that was right across from the hotel he was staying at. We didn't have reservations or anything and apparently at that place there's usually a two to three week waiting list for reservations, or at least so I was told. I would have no personal knowledge of this since I've never eaten there before.

However, him being who he is, he called down and as soon as they heard his name, magically a table was free:-/ Somehow, I'm thinking if I had called, we would've still be waiting lol. Anyway, so we go to the restaurant and we're shown to our table. Within 5 minutes of being seated, we're already being brought appetizers "on the house". The first was some tuna thingy and the second were these miniature Kobe beef burgers....de-lish!!!!!

We ended up splitting a salad because we knew that our meals were going to be filling. We both ordered steaks and sides of cream spinach and some of the most tasty mac and cheese you've ever had. I have to say that I was a little bit skeptical about ordering mac and cheese at this type of restaurant but Lord was it good!

He had a couple glasses of wine and I had a couple drinks. And that was it, no dessert or anything because we were both waay too full. I don't think I'm going out on a limb to say that it was perhaps the BEST steak I've ever had. My mouth is drooling now just thinking about it. So anyway, the bill comes and I glance at it .....$266!!!! My friend doesn't even flinch, meanwhile I'm sitting there quietly thinking WTH??? Who ate that amount of food and simultaneously, Thank God I don't have to pay for this because I might have to go in the back to wash some dishes lol. But seriously, the appetizers were free, we had one salad between us, two entrees, a couple of drinks each and no dessert. Crazy!

He calmly pulls out some $100 dollar bills and gives them to me to pay and I say "So do you just normally walk around with $100's in your pocket?" to which he replies that he has another friend who's even more wealthy than he his who gives him $20, $30, $50,000 cash every time he sees him just for no reason! Just because they're good friends!!! What??? Please try to picture the incredulous look on my face at this point and time. Why would one rich person give another rich person cash of all things? And why was our appetizer "on the house"? They know he can afford it! And why does he need complimentary champagne in his hotel room? All I could do is shake my head and say, "Must be nice!!"

I can't even begin to imagine a life like that, where cost is a complete non-issue and people just give you expensive, free things all the time. Just seems kinda backwards don't you think? Luckily, I'm not a materialistic person, but I have to say it sure is fun to see how the other half lives every once in a while....

We definitely had a great time but after he paid for my valet, which he insisted on, I jumped in my Chevy Equinox and happily drove back off to reality....truth is, my world ain't too bad either:-)

5 comments:

Eternal Lizdom said...

Wow!! What an experience! And I like your perspective and observations, Jackie. You're a solid and real person- must be why I like you so much!

Gina said...

From what I've seen in your blogs, real is definitely who you are.

However there are so many self-absorbed materialistic people in your town that it's a miracle people's necks can even withstand the weight of their own heads. Most of these plastic people are good looking, want to be a ballers, actors/actresses or models, and spend their time thinking of ways to convince themselves and others that they are "better than." I don't know your friend, but I'm sure being your friend he's nothing like what I just described. Can't knock somebody for being fortunate :-)

Luckily you're able to gain perspective on differing lifestyles with through your various relationships. I'm sure that enables you to be as humble as you are, helping you to appreciate what's really important...

Fun blog post. Forgive me for going off on a tangent, but when I see a blog of substance I'm forced to comment :-)

Garret said...

I had to reread that outloud to Jim. We laughed and compared it to our Spago experience. I love that you got to experience that though! And it's damn true, the wealthy get free stuff????? I think it's because they overpay to begin with so its kinda included in the price.

Happy Thanksgiving!

anonymousnupe said...

What?! You drove after drinking?! LOL!!!

I think I saw that place on an episode of "No Reservations" with Anthony Bourdain on The Travel Channel. I was like, "What's the deal with the creamed spinach?" But it's evidently as renown as the steaks!

So dude didn't "pay it forward" and start giving you money, just for being you? LOL!

Kandia said...

I agree with you MUST be nice. I like to eat out so I could definitely get used to the $300 dollar meals. :-)

I think with this recession going on and seeing how so many people are losing their jobs, it just makes you really appreciate what you have.