Restaurants and the economy

Sorry that I haven't been able to post in quite sometime everyone. Its been one crazy end to the summer.

I would like to focus on experience's for a bit. Experiences that are enhanced, especially if the price is right.

As you know for those have read this blog, that food for me and Mac, is an experience. We often think about the situation that we are in while enjoying a good meal, and a great bottle of wine.

The economy sucks. There are "signs" of improvement, however, people are still not spending a lot, and the "good times bubble" is over. I recently had a great conversation with the GM of country club that I used to work at, and he informed me that the people that were spending the extra money, aren't. Period. He has been begging people to spend their minimum. Lets be honest, people just don't want to put their hand in the pocket and reach for anything. They are justifying the habits of splurging. I know that I have asking myself when I pull out my wallet "will this really be worth my money?"

A very good friend of mine who owns a great liquor store in Ridgefield, CT told me the trend that he is seeing. People are still coming in and buying wines. However, that $25-$50 bottle of wine that they were buying last year, is still on the shelf. They are now asking for a good bottle for $10-$20. And trust me: YOU CAN FIND THIS. I have been telling people for years that price doesn't matter on taste. If everyones chemisty is different, and tastes are different, why does price have to mean quality? I can name you over a dozen wines right now that are under $15 that are awesome. That's a case. With a case discount, you are looking at $170+ for great wines. Unless you have a drinking problem, you are set for a while. And not to mention the fact that this is for $15 a bottle. You can find awesome wines for $6, $9 and even $5. I would love to help!

Onto restaurants. Unfortunately, the good old days of having a great bouillabaisse with a $60 bottle of wine is out. For now. People are looking for the BBD. Bigger Better Deal. They want more, for less. And lets be honest, why not? You can easily find this as well. Take this article by market watch. There are many restaurants that I have found in a matter of the summer that are offering great deals. There is even one restaurant on Nantucket that called their special (which ran on Friday & Saturdays as well) the "Save-ry Specials". They offered AMAZING food at a prix fixe rate of $35pp. This is great if you have ever been to a nice restaurant on Nantucket. Even in Stamford, CT, The Capital Grille had a special of $30.09 during restaurant week. You will never find that again.

Seriously foodies...the times are tough. If you really need to get out of the house, call up your favorite restaurant, and see if they have any specials going. If they give you attitude, why do you want to eat there in the first place? Restaurant owners are trying everything to get you in the door. They will accomodate.

Cheers!