Dispelling Common Myths

I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that about 50% of you do not consistently step foot into locally owned, non-buffet line restaurants on a consistent basis, right?
What is it about the local food scene that creates such a divide between those who are “in” and those who are “out”? Is it perception? Fear? Loathing? (I’ve got to be careful not to turn this into a Hunter S. Thompson diatribe)

I’ve got an even more disappointing, yet sadly more accurate answer – apathy. You just don’t care. Food is food, right? Why go to the trouble of finding a parking spot, making your way through a dark alley, or dealing with a snobby maitre’d when you can have Applebee’s?

Trust me when I tell you that shedding that apathy will bring culinary rewards the likes of which you can’t imagine until you’ve experienced them. Today’s article is all about dispelling the myth’s inherent within the realm of local fine dining. (And no, Olive Garden is not fine dining)

Myth #1 – “It’s just food, right?” (a.k.a. – “A steak is a steak)

You may want to sit down for this one. It is not just food. A meal that is prepared with attention to detail, made from the finest ingredients, and developed by a chef who lives and breathes his profession is a thing of beauty. It can be an ethereal experience that takes all of your senses to an entirely new plane. This is distinctly different from a meal that was prepared in giant vats in a factory, portioned into vapor sealed bags that serve 100 and flash frozen before being shipped off to your local Steak-O-Rama for re-heating and plating.

Now don’t get me wrong. There is a time and place for chain dining. But don’t put it in the same mental and culinary bin with a REAL restaurant.

Myth #2 – “Only ‘foodies’ go to those places.”

This isn’t so much a myth as a misunderstanding. Do regular patrons of locally owned dining establishments often know more about food than your average citizen? Well, yes. But why is that? I’ll tell you why – because they care enough to try new things and patronize places where they will learn about food.

You don’t want to feel silly looking at a menu that says something other than “noodles in sauce” or “16 oz. chunk-o-beef”, then ask your server for help! These people are more often than not excited about the opportunity to share with you what is good and what isn’t, and the more you visit the more you learn. This is a mutually rewarding experience!

Myth #3 – “I can’t afford that type of restaurant.”

This is the myth that frustrates me more than any other. Are there high-end, overpriced local eateries? You bet! However, there are a TON of excellent locally owned restaurants that have amazing, unique food and cost LESS than your average chain. Trust me on this one.

That’s it for today! Monday the first review will be posted. I can’t tell you where, because it is a surprise destination for my wife this weekend. What I can promise you is that you’ll get a great feel for the reality of the place. Our party of 8 is landing there for a 5:15 reservation.