Spectrum wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:17 am
L Austin if you read my reply I did say that if you find a good restaurant then stick with it, my comment was made on my experience of working in Pub kitchens. Before we moved here we had been coming with the kids for many year, stayed at Airvault nearby there was an Auberge, we had a few very good meals there, husband and wife team, son helping when he could. Its a free country and if you can afford to eat out regularly, good on you, I prefer to spend my money on bigger things that will last longer than a meal Bonne appetite.
Your comment that 'if you find a good restaurant......' is an obvious one but of course only applies if one only eats locally at the same resto which does tend to limit one's horizons.
The point I was trying to make was that I couldn't understand how someone who admitted to only eating out once in 16 years could infer that dining out was something to be avoided especially when you haven't explained why.
Restaurants at the top of their trade - Michelin rated etc - continue to thrive as do restaurants at the other end of the spectrum - Routier type restuarants for truckers etc offering 11€ buffets and a steady clientele. It is the rump in the middle that is disappearing. The husband and wife team producing classic cuisine. They are being replaced by fast food. Yes the large towns can support a restaurant, but too many times when travelling I have stopped for lunch in a town and found nothing but pizza, kebabs and burgers. I am sorry to say the heartland of French cuisine is dying. Yes there are exceptions and if you have one nearby then frequent it often. Here in my town the last good restaurant has transformed into a pizza and burger café, albeit with one plat du jour item. It is sad because he is a very talented chef, but now he spends his time at the bar or front of house and I can't say I blame him. We used to visit once a week, but not anymore. The clientele has changed from older to younger clients who probably spend less than their elders but there is a lot more of them.
In our town we have a pizza restaurant and a kebab cafe sit in or out and take away both always seem to be very busy. We've not visited so I can't comment on what it's like but we do have Pizza Fred mobile van on a Monday. We sit at the bar and watch him spinning & throwing his dough up into mid air before garnishing and cooking. You do have to order in advance and be prepared for an hour's wait - not difficult whilst sitting at the bar and they do taste excellent. There is an auberge a short distance away which I'm not keen on. It's very smartly decorated and the place is very clean. However, some friends took us back in April and the starter which was avocado & salad was served on black plates. The finger marks on the edge of plate rather put me off. The fish in a parsley sauce could have been one of those you buy from the local supermarket's own brand - why do I think that.....because I've bought said own brand and it was fine but the piece of fish was very small and the sauce very thin similar to what I was given in the restaurant. Wouldn't go there again.
With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never be empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way into darkness. With this ring, I ask you to be mine.........The Corpse Bride
Expense and disappointment has stopped us completely.
I’ve had two sets of visitors during the past month and in between I myself went away. I’ve actually eaten out a lot throughout the period and I’ve got to say that expense and disappointment are not appropriate words for any of the places where I’ve eaten. Value and quality would be far more suitable replacements. I’m surprised this people with such first hand experience of the trade can’t find anywhere that they can enjoy.
Like you Dominique, I have no evidence of restaurants closing or working reduced hours, this piece suggests there is a problem (and not just hospitality)
Two things I have noticed of late. Firstly, menus have tended to shrink offering fewer options but there are generally a couple things which demand my serious consideration before choosing.
The second, I find a bit odd; and it doesn't seem to matter what the quality or status of a restaurant is. Burgers seem to be ubiquitous on menus nowadays. True they may be offered as "Burger maison" or some other highbrow description but they are burgers nonetheless. I confess, it amuses me to watch diners tackling their burgers with a knife and fork. I am not an aficionado of the burger but I would have thought that, if you do really like them, one of the well known chains would be the best place to go.
Spectrum wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:17 am
L Austin if you read my reply I did say that if you find a good restaurant then stick with it, my comment was made on my experience of working in Pub kitchens. Before we moved here we had been coming with the kids for many year, stayed at Airvault nearby there was an Auberge, we had a few very good meals there, husband and wife team, son helping when he could. Its a free country and if you can afford to eat out regularly, good on you, I prefer to spend my money on bigger things that will last longer than a meal Bonne appetite.
Your comment that 'if you find a good restaurant......' is an obvious one but of course only applies if one only eats locally at the same resto which does tend to limit one's horizons.
The point I was trying to make was that I couldn't understand how someone who admitted to only eating out once in 16 years could infer that dining out was something to be avoided especially when you haven't explained why.
I told you why I don't dine out, just accept it I never suggested that you should not go out, I don't eat at Fast food outlets either, lots of people do its their choice, as said I like to know what Iam eating its as simple as that, Iam sure you will have your last word on this subject, I will go and have a cold beer
Spectrum wrote: ↑Sat Jun 18, 2022 8:17 am
L Austin if you read my reply I did say that if you find a good restaurant then stick with it, my comment was made on my experience of working in Pub kitchens. Before we moved here we had been coming with the kids for many year, stayed at Airvault nearby there was an Auberge, we had a few very good meals there, husband and wife team, son helping when he could. Its a free country and if you can afford to eat out regularly, good on you, I prefer to spend my money on bigger things that will last longer than a meal Bonne appetite.
Your comment that 'if you find a good restaurant......' is an obvious one but of course only applies if one only eats locally at the same resto which does tend to limit one's horizons.
The point I was trying to make was that I couldn't understand how someone who admitted to only eating out once in 16 years could infer that dining out was something to be avoided especially when you haven't explained why.
I told you why I don't dine out, just accept it I never suggested that you should not go out, I don't eat at Fast food outlets either, lots of people do its their choice, as said I like to know what Iam eating its as simple as that, Iam sure you will have your last word on this subject, I will go and have a cold beer
Wining & Dining in France, eating out, where to buy quality food and drinks, cooking & recipes etcBonne appetite.
I never suggested that you should not go out, I don't eat at Fast food outlets either, lots of people do its their choice, as said I like to know what Iam eating its as simple as that, Iam sure you will have your last word on this subject, I will go and have a cold beer 
