I agree with this. I think it has to do with our living in one of the great dining capitals of the world. If you lived somewhere dominated by chains or 3-4 good options, dining out is not as enjoyable.
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You’re compliant. That’s great for you. You’re OK with things like filthy restrooms?
I dine out a lot, for what it’s worth. Annoyances are just that–I may or may not write a place off for annoying features.
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Ad hominem attack is a tool used by those who lack the logic to make a coherent argument. Based on your posting history, I think there are many adjectives that could be used but in the spirit what has been suggested by the moderators on another post, I will pass.
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Okay. Restaurant annoyances don’t bother you, that’s what I meant. Peace.
We dine out a few times a week, but it feels less worthwhile and more irritating recently. Price inflation feels really out of control here. It’s actually cheaper to go out in Charlotte than Asheville lately. On top of that, there’s little to no service in many cases and still the expectation of 18-30% tip.
Just as one example, a local coffeeshop is advertising a single 6" cookie for $12, and 4 small truffles for $17. Don’t forget to tip, now.
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I don’t consider myself “enlightened”; I do consider myself pragmatic. I pass on the automated tip screen without feeling guilty. I do, however, wait to put my cash tip into the cup when the person who served me is watching. I save small bills in my wallet specifically for that purpose since I almost never use cash anymore. A cash tip is always appreciated, I’ve been told.
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Going to sarcastically predict an annoying U.S. restaurant feature: having to leave a tip for QR codes.
Or the inverse, QR codes to tip. Actually, they exist. I don’t mind them 
This is a necessary if not sufficient condition of enlightenment.
I have been thinking about checking out Asheville for years; my sister lives in Durham. I always assumed things would be relatively expensive there. Are there lots of industries and employers, are is it mostly tourism?
Anyway, when we travel, we eat out once or twice a day, and are looking for something very different than when we eat out at home. We almost, no we never eat out at home, although we do get takeout. We also eat out in relatively nearby San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma. I can’t remember the last time I thought “I won’t be coming back here”, but I know it’s happened.
Actually I can remember twice saying that because my proteins were repeatedly over done, in spite of my beseaching them to avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, my companions sometimes rule, and we go back anyway.
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I eat out minimum 3 nights a week, sometimes 7. I am still easily annoyed, often disappointed, even at places I frequent. But I almost never let it show, not to waiters, nor to diners in my party.
Your logic is tempting but it doesn’t apply well to me.
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Mostly tourism, and housing costs and (anecdotally) restaurant rents have ballooned.
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Regarding Asheville, my youngest daughter texted me this morning, all excited about how she and a friend ate at an Ethiopian restaurant last night called Addissae.
She was raving about it, says it’s really affordable and the entire menu is gluten free (this is especially good for her b/c even when ordering a GF dish at most restaurants, she worries about cross contamination). She wants to take me there when I’m in her area.
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That’s the one! She lives near here?!
If you stop by Asheville, holla at me!
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Thanks! It’d be cool to say HI to a HO if it works out. She’s now at WCU/Cullowhee so I’ll hit you guys with a PM if it looks do-able.
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Here are a couple more I forgot to mention… last year 
“Have you dined with us before?” As if this particular restaurant experience is going to be so outrageously different from every other restaurant I’ve ever visited. Answered in the negatory, one is subjected to a lengthy introduction to the novel idea of ‘sharing plates,’ WOW! 
— or whatever other super-new, pretentious concept they think they offer. It’s food at a restaurant. End of story.
“Are you still working on that?” No. I’m not working. I’m enjoying my meal at a leisurely pace, and if you dare ask again, I will stab you with my fork. An even worse version of this is “Are WE still working on that?” We? Am I suddenly a patient at a hospital, and you now my nurse? GTFOWT!
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That second one! I am a leisurely eater, and often put my fork down between bites. Servers often rush over with that question. Drives me crazy.
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It’s a cultural thing. I’m accustomed to dinners that can last hours. Conversation, more wine, maybe a digestif, maybe coffee, maybe a late decision on dessert.
First time I “dined” in the US with my ex at some place in FL we were asked if we wanted coffee or dessert after having finished our mains, and when we said no, the server immediately dropped off the bill. I suppose we could’ve just continued to hang out there, but it was a clear msg of GTFO.
Ugh.
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I’m finding it increasingly annoying whenever I walk into a sparsely-patroned place in primetime, and am asked if I have a reservation.
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