More negative dining out experiences lately

[malpaflea]

Has anyone else noticed the trend of poor restaurant experiences?  I'm not sure if it's coincidence or not, but it seems like conversations with my foodie friends have lately been about the bad meals they've been having.  My own dining out experiences are similar.  More misses than hits.  It feels that way on the 7days food reviews too. 

Are we seeing a consequence of economy and less dollars to spend at restaurants (and declining quality)?  Are people's expectations higher than they should  be?

I really miss the experience of trying a place (restaurant, bar, bistro, etc.) and having it meet or exceed expectations.  Happens less now than I remember it...

[Morganna]

Can't say I've noticed such a thing.  I really enjoyed Salt when I tried it, that was just in January, IIRC.  I don't get to try a lot of new places in general (my husband is a picky eater so I have to time things correctly to suit him and our pocketbook).  We had some really good stuff in NYC when we were there in Jan, too. We also had some so-so stuff.  But then it WAS NYC.

I need to get my hands on that indian food the woman in Montpelier is making.  I keep forgetting about it 'cos you need to order it well in advance.