Took son and his gal friend to dinner atTexas Road House Sunday - Prime Rib Dinners. Bill was $135 with the tip. Lots of take home too. So if you're going to go out, go to where the food is great every time. And make it an occasion rather than a habit.
That's the way I grew up in the 60's and 70's. It was a big occasion to go out to a restaurant. It really meant something. Mom made dinner at home every night. It was a huge break for her and an adventure for us kids. (Actually a break for us kids too. We didn't have to wash dishes.) If you go to restaurants multiple nights per week it becomes normal and it is not special. I think people will slowly discover that in the coming year or two. The impact could be dramatic ... fewer restaurants, but better quality. It will be the survival of the fittest going through this recession.