Okay so I actually love minimalism and prefer Scandanavian sleek and simple home decor or Calvin Klein's classic fashion style to Victorian furnishings or Versace. Minimalism is beautiful without attracting unwanted attention, it's comfortable, and it's easy to update. On the web, it can also mean everything to your eye site. On the other hand, there is something about dining in pure opulence that can make one forget about geometry and primary colors - something that those in the Eastern part of the world, in particular, master.

On a recent trip to New York City, my husband and I were cosmically pulled to the gold and light encrusted facade of the Firebird, on west 46th Street. We were dressed for heavy shopping rather than fine dining, but like the light that leads the dying to the afterlife, Firebird beckoned that we risk being asked to come back after we've made a few million rather than fade away to some Irish pub we were probably overdressed for.

The risk was worth it, as we were warmly greeted and welcomed to follow our calling to "just have a drink and check it out." It was late-ish, but General Manager Nicholas Rotundo led us into the amazing, ornate bar area and told us about the more than 200 vodkas offered there. Of course, we tried several different blends (their special honey infused vodka is a great appertif), and talked with Nicholas and his amazing assistant, Claire, about everything from the Russian culture that inspired the restaurant to life in the entertainment biz. Claire took us on a tour of the first two floors, which are absolutely breath taking with the chandeliers, artwork, and especially with the original Ballet Russe costumes on display.

If you've ever been fortunate enough to travel to Eastern Europe or Russia, at the Firebird you could feel like you were in Prague, relaxing at the elegant, pink puff-pastry that is Cafe Louvre, at Moscow's Cafe Pushkin or at the Gerbeaud Confectionary in Budapest, all in the comfort of NYC.

Sure, in this economy, ridiculously lavish decor might seem a little out of place. Even those who might still be able to realistically live like that on a regular basis are cutting back and living more simply. But just as the Great Depression and World War II propelled the fantasy of Hollywood forward to help the huddled masses keep a little hope for a better future alive, I propose that lavish dining can do the same thing. In fact, it is probably even better than movies because you can get actual sustenance from it - both physically and psychically. Feeling like royalty can do wonders, even if only for a night.

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