re: Sick of "fine dining"

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Increasingly my interests trend toward really well established neighborhood strongholds that are refined but aren't competing in the higher end of the fine dining scale. One key is a large number of well-to-do regulars, which tend to keep service up and keep wine lists less generic.

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I think that's the way we'll be going, as well. While I absolutely love food from hole-in-the-wall restaurants or those off the beaten path, there are still times when we want to go out for a date night kind of meal....something more upscale, romantic, somewhere we can get our foie gras fix but not have to deal with all the pomp and circumstance of these haughty places.

I've been to Canoe and enjoyed it, but it's been years. Haven't checked out any of the others you mentioned but will.

Fine dining has its place. Once a year or so it’s nice to do a really special meal, especially if you’re traveling.

Most “fine dining” meals I’ve had were while on vacation. Going to two of the top 50 restaurants while in Mexico City next month. Can’t wait.

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Well, Canoe and Blue Ridge Grill are both very much "fine dining." Both great, but not cheap or everyday spots.

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Yeah but different I think. "Old standby" is what I'm talking about, where there is definitely a mix of anniversary dinners but also people who come in 2 or 3 times a week. Places that have been around for a couple of decades and have the time-tested and polished (or boring, depending on perspective) approach to show for it.

As for Canoe, for a long time I was kind of against it because I viewed it as a place suburban people go for Valentine's day (I know, I sound obnoxious). Somewhat unfairly, I always grouped it with Ray's on the River (somewhere I still don't like). But it really is just a great meal and the service is almost always flawless. I've definitely come around.

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Good article on Daniel Humm and partially his split from Guidara. Fine dining is dying overall but there will always be a few places (in America at least) which will be incredible experiences. But yes when a fine dining meal doesn’t deliver it stings.