Dare to Compare

Who do you compare yourself to?   Come on, let it out we all do it in one way or another.  I never fancied myself the type to compare and contrast, but as I've gotten to know myself better I realize that I most certainly rate myself against others.  Not as much in the physical department but more so in the "life" department.  Do they seem to have more fun?  Are they more creative?  Travel more?  Cook better?  I'm not sure where this side of my personality comes from but I will admit that it is one of my less endearing traits.  I know that I'm a perfectionist but I also know that it is pointless and counterproductive to judge yourself based on others.  People only let you see what they want you to see so you are often judging them (and yourself) based on a perception.  That isn't a fair or realistic comparison.  But still, I find myself comparing.  It isn't as if I compare myself to one person- I compare myself to different aspects of different people's lives in order to make my life the best possible.  For instance, I take friends who are "successful" in each life category and use them as a standard to judge my life.  I don't begrudge or get super jealous of them, but I do at times, beat myself up for not being better in that category.  I guess it is a form of adult competition.  But is it healthy?  I feel that some competition is good because it keeps you striving to do better and it gives you a goal to achieve.  The key to this is keeping a straight head and not allowing jealousy and bitterness to overwhelm you.  Compare yourself but don't undermine your selfworth if you fall short- because you are going to fall short.  As a perfectionist this is one of the hardest truths to grasp... but if you are disillusioned then you are only setting yourself up for disappointment.  It's like my mom told me when I was younger "...there is always going to be someone better than you and there is always going to be someone worse off.  Be grateful for your talents, but also be humble because there is someone out there that can do it better." 

Ballin' at the Ballantyne

I love food.  I love everything about food.  I love finding and cooking new recipes, I love experienceing new restaurants with amazing menus but mostly I love sharing food with loved ones.  It's cheesy, but my favorite aspect of food is the feeling I have when I'm able to partake in a fabulous meal with those near and dear to me.  With all that said, I would like to share with you (all zero of my readers) one of the best dining experiences I've had of recent.  It is a prime example of how atmosphere paired with amazing food and even better wine can make all wrongs right.  Drumroll please....

Ballantyne Resort.

That picture is enough to prove my point, but allow me to continue.  From the moment your car is valeted you feel like a princess being dropped off at your castle.  The staffs sole purpose is to treat you better than anyone has ever treated you and to make you feel like the most important person on earth.  This is how they do it at the Ballantyne and you've only made it to the lobby.  Since I was only there to dine (sigh) I made a beline for the enormous balcony overlooking the award winning golf course.  Immediately greeted by a server eager to bring me my beverage of choice.  After having a pre-dinner cocktail I made my way to their 4 star restaurant, The Gallery.

Now I could write a trilogy about the decor and atmospher, but let me cut to the chase and show you what you really want to see: the menu.  To be honest, they have changed their menu since I've been there and I can't recall exactly what I had (buzzkill I know)... BUT I can promise you that I had the best appetizer, entree, dessert and coffee that I've had in a long time.  One thing that I can describe to a T- in part because the chef gave us the recipe- thats right, whatever you want- was the "bread" that they give you to munch on in between courses.  This my friends, is one of the best things that man has ever created: the black pepper and thyme popovers.  Sounds just aight, but it is the most buttery, flaky, moist spin on a biscuit I've ever enjoyed.  I would go back if only for the popovers.  I wish I could detail all of our food choices but I never intended on writing a blog post.  C'est La Vie. In summary, the excellent food mixed with the thoughtful decor and romantic atmosphere made for a memorable experience that will forever be one of my favorites.  It was sad to have to leave the castle but this princess will be back again real soon.