Bill_H

For my wife and I, dining is not simply a matter of nourishment, nor even of social interaction. We dine for adventure, for sensation, and for experience. While we have a few favorite restaurants that we frequent, we try to eat at a new establishment at least once a week, and it is usually the result of intensive negotiating and compromise ("OK, we'll try the new Vietnamese place tonight if we can eat at the new Lebanese place on Wednesday"). Any vacation or business trip begins with a dining itinerary, around which all other events are planned. I lived in the NYC area for a year, sampling an enormous amount of the dining scene there, and I've enjoyed fine meals in Paris, London, Amsterdam, Geneva, Dubai, Beirut and throughout the United States.

I live in Orlando and I travel extensively to the Atlanta area. Most people in these places tend to go to the "obvious" choices, which in my experience are popular due to their homogeneity. They thereby miss the great, small, private establishments that I feel often provide the best cuisine and the most inviting atmosphere.

I would characterize myself as a food "positivist". While I can be critical and have a well-developed and discerning palate, I tend to more often than not have a positive experience when dining out, and I try to focus on the rewarding portions of the meal, rather than allow something which is below expectations to taint the enjoyment of my evening.