Beyond luxury exists a state of elegance difficult to describe but obvious when experienced. Fine automobiles and fine dining both are areas where elegance is not merely the slathering on of pretentious accommodations but the obtainment of perfection.

We live in an exciting time of automotive history where quality, performance, efficiency and luxurious appointments have never been greater. The marketplace is full of quality luxury automobiles from around the globe. But no automobile fulfills its history of elegance quite like the Jaguar XJ8. One can pay more but there comes a time when true elegance has been reached and more is simply too much.

In my mind, the 2004 Jaguar XJ8 represents the pinnacle of automotive elegance.

Now I enjoy my top down sports car, a burger and fries or good bar-b-que, but sometimes, I yearn to experience the finer things in life. Such was the day that I picked up the new 2004 Jaguar XJ8 from Aristocrat Motors and drove to the Marina Grog and Galley on Lake Lotawana.

Trying to describe the elegance of both this restaurant and this car are difficult, but a taste of either will lessen the need for mere words.

Friends have raved about the Marina Grog and Galley for years but I never personally met the owner Jack Schwindler or ventured to the lake for supper. Distance can never be an excuse for someone who lives in South Johnson County for they can be at Lake Lotawana in less time than driving to the Plaza. Of course if you are privileged to drive a new Jaguar XJ8, it could be a longer drive and you wouldn't mind.

While every dining room has it's own special ambiance, dining on the deck was picture perfect. The presentation of the feast was as artistic and skilled as the taste was scrumptious. To a fine restaurant visual appearance is important and the artistic presentation of the Marina Grog and Galley is on par with the artistic design of the Jaguar.

Many automobile aficionados consider the Jaguar bonnet (that's English for hood) to be the most artistic design of any vehicle. This year all of the exquisite bodywork has been formed in aluminum, which has slashed the weight. Yet while lighter this vehicle has a brick like solid feel and a sophisticated air suspension not found on earlier models. Jaguar designs have always been elegant but only recently have the technology and quality standards matched the design and comfort standards.

While the look is timeless the entire car is new from previous models. Stiffer chassis, lighter weight, larger interior and better handling make this the most delicious Jaguar ever. One would think that the 4.2-liter V8 that propels this luxury carriage from 0-60 in 6.3 seconds would guzzle gas, but I was surprised to see that it sips fuel at 28 MPG on the highway.

While one may get excellent fuel economy, this is not a vehicle everyone can afford with the MSRP of well over sixty thousand dollars. But for vehicles in the upper luxury segment, this may be one of the best. It is especially tasteful for those who occasionally have rear seat passengers. Not only is the area one of the largest and most comfortable available, I appreciated the heated rear seats as well as the courtesy lights in the rear floorboard.

Cars are much more that the sum total of horsepower and statistics. They become part of our lifestyle and define who we want to be. Restaurants likewise can do more than just nourish the body; they can celebrate a lifestyle that nourishes the mind and spirit. In short, the tasteful elegance of the 2004 Jaguar XJ8 complemented our drive and dinner to the Marina Grog and Gallery. Both were an experience in elegance and class that will not be soon forgotten.