To me and a few people I know, a properly cooked steak is one of life’s great luxuries. Cooked perfectly and it becomes almost a transcendental experience.

This is a continuation of my haphazard series on better businesses. It’s also a direct follow-up to my story about the great Tweetsie Railroad. Read that one if you haven’t before. As an aside and a testament to my snail-like pace of production, I started both of these articles some three years ago.

Let me tell you a tale. Usually in the fall I crave a mountain getaway. I like cool clean air, free-flowing water, and smaller numbers of people. The mountains feel more like fall that the rest of the South; it’s like the New England experience without the 16 hour drive or the hassle of Logan.

It’s a short drive and even makes a good day trip. There are suitable mountains in Georgia and Tennessee but this story involves those of North Carolina. On a hypothetical late-October day we might start early at Tweetsie. My daughter loves the place just as much as I did when I was her age and younger. As I written, it is exactly the same place today as it was in the 1970s.

After a fun day of train rides and funnel cakes finding a hotel is a must (for an overnight stay). I’ve tried the cabins and B&Bs. They’re great. The old … “family fun” motels I remember from my youth are still there – some of them. Sadly, they haven’t seen much maintenance or cleaning in the interim. For this story I will recommend the Holiday Inn Express right on U.S. 321 in Boone.

The Express is clean and modern and reasonably priced. The rooms feature balconies, fireplaces, and hot-tubs. Best of all it is right across the street from The Peddler Steakhouse of Boone.

Tripadvisor.com.

There are other Peddlers out there, some of which are related to mine. Boone’s is the best. In fact, I call it the best steakhouse in the world. I haven’t been to them all but the Peddler puts to shame many of fancier variety and higher prices.

The restaurant is cozy. There’s a definite 70s feel in the darkness, the paneling, and the overall ambiance. There’s a little waiting room when you first walk in. Get there early as they are frequently busy. If you have to wait, order a drink and enjoy the good company.

Tripadvisor.com.

Much of the staff are cute co-eds (Boone being a college town). That never hurts. Everyone is efficient and helpful. Once you’re seated the manager wheels around a wooden cart with the day’s best selection of meats. He offers assistance in ordering, cooking, everything. And I’ve heard him refuse an order because he thought the requested meat wasn’t up to Peddler standards. Phenomenal.

The menu is varied and I have sampled this and that. However, it’s a steakhouse and then and there I go all the way. I suggest the 10 oz. Fillet Mignon. Your steak will be grilled to order over an open fire by expert chefs. I say get it medium rare. I hold this is the best steak in the world, bar none. Forget a knife. Honestly you don’t even need teeth. Every filet I have ever had there has been 100% perfect. The price as of this writing is $34.95, a bargain for a priceless taste.

This picture really does not do justice. The Peddler.

As for sides I usual go with a sweet potato. This is really an afterthought. Nothing can compare, compliment, or detract from a Peddler steak. There’s also a full service salad bar of which you should partake. For $10.95 you can have greens, soups, fresh bread, and even caviar. Just save room for the steak.

The Peddler boasts an impressive wine selection. The one and only bone I have to pick is with the beers offered. They have all the usual American non-beers and a healthy number of real beers. It’s just that they could up the potential steak-pairing darks, bitters, and stouts. I generally have a Newcastle or a Pete’s Wicked Brown. This is a small imperfection, easily overlooked.

The women of my life say the desserts are excellent. I’ve never had one as, like I’ve said, there is nothing suitable to complement these steaks.

Boone is full of great places to eat. There is though only one Peddler. It’s simply the best.

After a perfect meal I like to float back to the hotel and enjoy a good cigar on the balcony. I’ve even witnessed an autumn snow with my smoke. If your now an aficionado, the hot-tub might be your thing. By the way, this scenario would work well in winter and a ski trip.

I don’t recommend many eateries; the Peddler is just in a class by itself. If you’ll excuse me, I have to drive to Boone now. High country perfection calls…