One cannot turn on the news, read a paper, or tool around the internet without coming across some dire account of the country’s financial meltdown. And to be sure, whereas I’m a firm cynic when it comes to the information the media sends our way (if it bleeds, it leads), this crisis is real and it’s hurting all but those for whom money is no object – which reminds me of a great anecdotal story…
An old friend, and by old I mean, I knew him a long time ago but have not seen or heard from him in years, once attended a play his brother was in and spied Steven Spielberg in the audience. Being an aspiring filmmaker he approached the famed director who was friendly and cordial and they began chatting. During the conversation Spielberg’s then wife, Amy Irving (that dates this story, huh?) came over and asked her husband for some money to buy a drink.
The director searched his pockets for his wallet, which he had obviously left behind. But in that little mini pocket in his jeans – what is that pocket really for anyway – he found, crumpled and showing signs of a washing or two, a fifty dollar bill.
It perfectly illustrates those that have to think about money and those that don’t.
My bigger point is addressed in a recent New York Magazine article that describes how the downturn in the economy is affecting NYC’s fancy eateries, best exemplified by empty tables, easier than ever to get reservations or in the worst case, closings and bankruptcy filings.
Sirio Maccioni, the famed restauranteur has been sending messages to his regular customers, hoping they’ll find a night to come in, something they’ve been neglecting as their net worth has presumably plummeted.
We’ve felt this one level beyond Le Cirque’s as less diners for them mean less wine sales, which in turn means our distributors are buying less wine from us (note: we do not sell our wines in Le Cirque, I was just illustrating the point).
But before the media deems all extravagent spending a thing of the past, I’d argue that it’s not the overspending that has hurt us all, but rather the excess on things that did not warrant such large outlays.
Qualifying for a mortgage on a house you can’t afford as opposed to say, having a meal at LeCirque you will remember all your life – and I know this firsthand. Wasting $50.00 on a bottle of mediocre wine, as opposed to buying a 2005 Bordeaux for $600, the year of your child’s birth that you’ll open with them on their 21st birthday.
Some things are worth the money and people like Maccioni has worked his life to create a one of kind dining experience for all who walk through the door of one of his restaurants. Many a winemaker has poured their souls into the bottle and that is sometimes reasonably reflected in the price tag.
Yes, things are bad. They really are. And you can get a lot of enjoyment in life without spending even one dollar.
But if you are going to reach into your wallet, I say be loyal to those who have come through for you in the past, those who have enhanced your life in ways you couldn’t do for yourself, that hotel, that special restaurant, that wine.
For if we don’t, when the economy finds some stability again – and it will (I’m also an optimist) – those people may have already closed up shop. And that would be a shame…
