Dimitri wrote:

> Generally are you impressed or disappointed with most restaurants?
>

It depends on the type of restaurants. If I want a quick cheap meal I go into a
greasy spoon with low expectations. If it is an expensive restaurant I set my
standards higher. If I am paying a good buck for a meal I expect a good meal.

> If you are in a new place are you adventurous with your order or do you
> order an old standby to gauge the place?

I look for something interesting on the menu.

> For me if I go to a new Italian place the first time around if it is
> convenient to come back to I order the Spaghetti & Meatballs. My logic (if
> I have any) is if they screw this up I ain't coming back for their veal
> piccata.
>

Spaghetti and meatballs is about the last thing I would go out to a restaurant
for.

I feel no obligation to check out new restaurants. When a new place opens
around here I am content to wait until I hear reports from other people.