by Robin Garr » Wed May 31, 2023 8:27 am
Great question, Carla! For me, part of the problem is that some of my go-to places didn't survive the pandemic. Harvest, Decca, Rye ... Those were three of the places that I went back to even when I wasn't reviewing. All in NuLu, too. The neighborhood really took a hit, and with all respect, three new Ole Group places and a downtown branch of Cafe Lou Lou might be welcome in their own way, but it's sure a style change. Maybe it's bourbonism, and all the tourists don't want fancy upscale but something to sop up booze?
Harrumph.
Anyway, one change for me is that my budget still hasn't fully recovered. I've been happy to get back to some of my surviving favorites - Seviche and Anoosh Bistro - and I'm saving up for Volare. On the lower end, I still love all the taquerias and Indian and Asian places that I used to love, and some new ones too. Maybe now more than ever now that I'm looking for cheap eats even more often.
I'm not sure if I've answered your question, but I love the question (and might borrow it for a story eventually). I'll be curious to see what others say.