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Sweet dreams are made of these... — Brooklynian

Sweet dreams are made of these...

whyfi
whyfi
edited November -1 in The Lounge / Random Stuff
What's your sweet indulgence? Everybody has some area where they appreciate the difference between a great product and a run-of-the-mill product, and they appreciate it enough to pay a premium for that difference. For some people, it's hi fi (8)). For others, it's food. For some, it's clothing. Where do you really appreciate the difference between so-so and great, and why?

I have a few -

The obvious - I like stereo gear. A good hifi can come close to reproducing (in three dimensions) a live musical performance in your home. Music has been around for most, if not all, of human history and it's my mood altering substance. Music done right can inspire, sooth, induce excitement or serenity.

I also like to cook, and the better tools make a huge difference. Pans that heat evenly, and retain their heat throughout the process, is the difference between meat beautifully seared and meat that's barely worth eating. Good knives reduce the amount of work, produce more consistent results and are more safe.

In my 'not quite there, yet,' category - espresso. I have a crappy espresso machine that I use every day, but I've been pining for a good one... espresso is made by forcing hot water through the coffee grounds. To be done well, the pressure and temperature need to be consistent. Most of the inexpensive espresso machines use a boiler to create both the heat and pressure (steam), but they're inconsistent in both, producing results that many espresso aficionados don't even consider 'espresso.' Good machines use the heating element to get the water to the right temp, but rely on a pump (mechanical or human powered) to provide the right, consistent pressure... Good espresso is creamy, complex, not at all bitter, and oh-so-enjoyable... but I'm still trying to justify the price of these machines... :-s

Comments

  • doctorj
    doctorj
    Scotch, ladies, and harmony/orchestration. ;)

    Oh, and supercomputers.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    =D>

    Oh, and don't limit indulgences to physical possessions, and the premium paid doesn't need to be strictly monetary. Maybe it's your favorite risotto recipe that takes hours and tons of patience. Maybe it's doing a little (lot!) extra for that special smile from a loved one... anything goes. Where do you appreciate quality, why, and to what lengths will you go to attain it?
  • alafairnadia
    alafairnadia
    champagne.
    prestat chocolate slivers (guh).
    champagne.
    big honkin' computers.
    lulu guinness shoes.
    champagne.
    steak - in argentina.
    champagne.

    wait. did I mention bubbly wine?
  • homeowner
    homeowner
    Men, men, men.

    The difference between run-of-the-mill and the great ones, is a yawning gulf. And unlike stereo gear, or champagne, or computers, its is nearly impossible to get an objective recommendation of the pros and cons for any model (especially for the models). It is the one area where you are reduced to trial and error.

    As far as attaining quality in this area, the only real way to do so is to be willing to put time into the search. That, and a knowledge of self (likes, dislikes, and your own pros and cons) coupled with an ability to accept that the head and the heart often have divergent priorities will be necessary to end up with "one of the great ones".

    Don't like girls, but I'd imagine the same is true for them.
  • s-wat
    s-wat
    Oh, the list of indulgences...
    Dulce de Leche from Chile, Ostrich from NZ
    Kentucky Bourbons, Single Malt Scotches, Worlds of Beer
    Cigars, Audio / Studio equipment
    My Sangria recipe which I will take to the grave
    My Chili recipe-
    I'm certain there are more- but these are the list toppers!
  • alafairnadia
    alafairnadia
    homeowner wrote: Men, men, men.
    it's strange that this ISN'T on my list. I might find pretty ones, with cute curls, and think "oh my, this boy is unbeatable" but really, I think most of the time, "so pretty but so silly. thank goodness the wine won't lie to me"
  • doublediamond
    doublediamond
    fantastic dark chocolate. I have a scharffen berger bar right here that I'm eying.

    a good espresso. Surprisingly hard to find. I'll take a good regular coffee as well. I went through a period where this was my passion,where I had a partner in crime who even roasted his own beans.

    Chips and guac. I love Xochitl chips. Light and thin, heat them up in the microwave a bit... to die for. I make my own guacamole and it's outrageous. Ok, some think it's too limey, but it's how I like it.

    Olive oil. I'm not an expert on types, but I love to taste them and eat it with a nicely warmed hunk of bread.

    Pepper. I love spicy food. I tried new peppers in my guac this summer, when an article in the NYTimes came out about some varieties available that the farmer's market, but I don't know too much about different types. the PSCO needs some chili peppers for sure.

    Hmmm, mostly food. :-) Non food:

    good sheets. High quality, high thread count sheets. And soft flannel sheets. yeah.

    Good pillows! Enough said!
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