POLL: How far will you drive for dinner?

I think the one thing that gas prices HAVE done for me is once again put the focus on the quality of experience we have when dining out. IF I am driving more than 30 minutes, and understanding that I'm looking for the best value from my dollar, I am much less tolerant of poor service, food quality and the like. If I'm going out - when I'm perfectly capable of staying in and having a great meal - then the service and experience better make it worth my while.

And I'm not saying that casual places and "joints" are getting less of my dining dollar because of it, I am only saying that hot food better be hot, and cold food better be cold; and that I'm served with a smile or a thank you and all the pleasantries that define "service." Otherwise I'm not coming back. I might have given a place "one more shot" in 2005 or 2006, but not in this economy.

I still go where I want. I love the drive to Holly Hill Inn in Midway, or even Huber's in Southern indiana, so anywhere locally is not out of the question. When I consider some of the really stupid stuff I waste three, four or five dollars at a time on, the price of gas is still something I see as reasonable. Seven, eight or nine dollar cocktails, no one blinks at, but good word... four dollars for gallon gas...egads! It is all about choices for me.

[Robin Garr]

I am much less tolerant of poor service, food quality and the like. If I'm going out - when I'm perfectly capable of staying in and having a great meal - then the service and experience better make it worth my while.

Hey, it was nice to run into you at that local restaurant that's not too far from either of us the other night.

What did you guys think? Frankly, my feeling (and I'll express it in a Voice-Tribune review if the editors don't soften it) is that the food at that place is outstanding, but it's so tiny that when it's slammed both the environment and the service take a serious, serious hit.

Am I being too rough on them based on your experience?

Hi Robin -
Good to run into you as well! I think your assessment is fair. The food is terrific. I have been there when it is less crowded - a Saturday lunch, as well as other nights during the week. Because I'm almost always there with a group of girlfriends, and there is a quantity of good "beverages" involved, I think we are more willing to overlook any lapses in service. The prices are so reasonable, that I understand the trade off - there is one server, typically, in that entire dining area. Interestingly, we have better service with another server - who was not working that evening. So, it may also have something to do with individuals - which is the tough part about a place that small. They always do a solid takeout business as well, but since it's not on my way home from work, I don't necessarily think about it

Hate to see anyplace I love get a less-than-glowing review, but you are being honest in your observation....

, but it's so tiny that when it's slammed both the environment and the service take a serious, serious hit.


I'm a bit worried that since you were next to our table, that WE might have been a part of the "environment"

Hope we didn't impact your review!

[Robin Garr]

Hate to see anyplace I love get a less-than-glowing review, but you are being honest in your observation....

I will definitely glow about their food! It was so good, and so bountiful, that we took enough home for lunch the next day, and it was just as good then.