We have been down that path also Margaret. We went to one supposedly high class eating establishment where the waiter came along with each different plate of food and with the sliced potato he had two slices in the tongues (very thin) and Peter said can I have a bit more potato please and he raised his eyebrows and said "you must be hungry" and it went on with the thin slices of roast and the teaspoon of peas and carrot lol We paid the hefty bill and went back to our motel and had a block of chocky. each to fill up lol.

We had cheese cake and pav. for desert and trust me they were SO thin the slice just fell over and two mouthfulls for Peter and three for me and we were done lol

Phyl.

There are some trendy places I go to but then I would only go there if they accepted my Presidential card and the discounts it gets me. Turns out to be the same and sometimes cheaper than pub or bistro meals. Plus the wife is a smaller eater than me and I usually end up cleaning her plate too. But it feels good to go to an overpriced restaurant and get the second mains free.

There are certainly some restaurants about where the chef prepares a work of art that sends the palate on an ecstatic journey of taste delights. I have been to restaurants where the bill was enormous and I came away happy with the experience. Sadly, there are also restaurants as described above which can turn out dubious combinations in microscopic serves which leaves the diner still hungry and feeling cheated.

I like to read the restaurant guide in my local paper, not always accurate but at least gives some ideas of where is popular and the spots to avoid. I have had great meals in pubs and clubs and generally find that a good asian restaurant can supply an interesting change of diet at reasonable prices. I suppose it all depends on your tastes and budget.

kfghugo,

I have to agree, sometimes its worth splurging out on a good restuarant. My nephew comes out from Scotland every year on business and my eldest daughter organises an evening out in a good restuarant, a different cuisine every time, and I really enjoy the change, (despite the cost).

Don't get me wrong. I have been to some wonderful restaurants on special occasions and don't mind paying for a decent meal. But the restaurant I experienced in my original post was recommended and has many awards. I just resent being ripped off with a meal more suitable for someone on a diet.

Yes its happened to me at Wirrina, a holiday resort south of Adelaide some time ago. When fish the meal arrived I said to the waitress 'I didn't order the entree' and was met with a blank stare.



In spite of their rip off charges I think they went broke soon after, which made me feel better

Yes I have had this happen as well--large plate--with some art piece in the middle--I myself like a decent meal--most clubs have a good meal--and also some restaurants as well but some are just over the top.

I am not all that wrapped in a piece of artwork on my plate to be honest as watching how much handling of the food by hand and work goes into placing the bits of everything on the plate to be honest I prefer my meal put on the plate with tongs. Neat and clean is what I prefer :)

I like just a few things on the plate also as I often think too many different things takes from the taste of whatever we order and enjoy. As everyone has said I suppose each meal we eat out no matter whether it be an expensive restaurant or a bistro can only be judged on how we perceive it on the day.

All the best for a wonderful Saturday - The fog is SO thick here I could get lost in our garden lol and we walked feeling our way this morn.

Phyl.

Even our clubs tried the "arty" presentation of food - it didn't go down well. An honest meal for an honest dollar.

We went out for a treat once and ordered Duck and honestly there was a slice of duck on the plate and around it a couple of slices of orange and wait for it two grapes each cut in halves placed like a kindergarten child would do around the the Duck. We decided to bypass the dessert and bought our two blocks of choc. for dessert to fill up on and enjoy at home.

Phyl lol.

I worked, as a bookkeeper, in a very popular cafe/restaurant, in a popular holiday/tourist area. I always ate better than the "patrons" did. We got a full serve of everything.

Those who watch Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, will see first hand how he plans a menu with simple ingredients that look good and are cheap for the restuarant to produce.



The large plate? Their own common sense should tell them that a tiny portion looks way smaller of a large plate.

Nouvelle Cuisine from the Poser's Pantry.



I thought this form of cooking died over 10 years ago.



Two slices of wafer thin beef plus lettuce leaf served on a plate the size of a toilet lid. Plus it's charged at the price of a good night out.



Any one stupid enough to eat at this sort of eatery and pay the prices charged, should be publicly flogged with a rusty hacksaw or spend a couple of weeks working for St Vinnies in their soup kitchen.

Well said Club 25.

We are sticking to our club and pub meals thanks.

Moggy