Last week, I talked about a need we all share: To belong. Apparently, my "need" is either growing, or I've become more aware of it. I'd like to think the latter. I had lunch yesterday at the relatively new restaurant Transfer Pizzeria Cafe, a pizza and panini place at 1st and Mitchell Streets.

Now, I had heard a lot about the joint from fellow employees and friends. People that I respect, admire and share similar interests. What I'm trying to say is that I went in wanting to like it. I was a fan before I crossed the threshold. I made assumptions based on past behavior, not to mention my undying need to belong and I knew it was good. So, when I actually went in, my mouth was waiting and watering.

My experience? It was nice and I want to go back.

But on the way back to the office, I pondered just how much my positive experience was colored by my bias to like it in the first place. Was I soft on the bad points? Did the great flavors of my Quattro Stagioni get blown out of proportion by my own insecurity?

This happens so much in our culture, many folks have misplaced their own opinion -- never to find it again. Some people would hear it was good, try it and no matter how crappy the experience, find it to be good indeed (hence the popularity of the McRib sandwich and Tom Cruise movies). On the other hand, plenty of folks would play the devil's advocate and instantly dislike it if it was "popular"-- the difference between optimists and pessimists, I reckon.

There is, however, a narrow set that has the ability to carefully and thoughtfully weigh the hype and / or criticism to decide for itself. This crowd would contain ethical Olympic judges the Dalai Lama and peeps like my friend, Jim Dier. I like to think myself a part of this exclusive club, but I'm afraid my mind is a little too harried to give matters such time. My friend, Jim Dier, simply takes each experience (both hyped and criticized) at face value. He takes his own time to digest it, form thoughtful opinions and eloquently voice them (well, sometimes not so eloquently ... burp).

And now, thinking about my Transfer Pizzeria Cafe experience, I can say, sure, it was good. I will return and I assume I will enjoy it once again. Rose-colored glasses aside, maybe my "need" to like it put more weight on my judgment, and therefore I became more critical.

Perhaps. But for now, I'll throw Transfer in the Top Five Pizza Places of Milwaukee.

So, the next time you see a "Top-something" list, or someone's touting "Most popular whatever," be keenly aware how you approach whatever "thing" it is. And hopefully you can form your own opinion without the fear of "not belonging." Be strong.