She does
I think is is the nub of it. True, genuinely-intended hospitality is hard to find. Food that isn't out of a freezer (i.e. pre manufactured elsewhere and frozen) is hard to find. That's why a friendly local cafe cooking stuff to order can sometimes outdo an allegedly higher standards / rated place. It's hard to define and you know it when you've had it. But there really is so much mediocrity and as said by the OP, many folk can do better for themselves on the food front at home. But you don't get to people-watch etc at home so there is the side entertainment aspect of eating out (that observational aspect of couples on a date night that are on their phones more than in conversation etc). Yes, eating out in a group can be social but being the deaf old git I am that can sometimes add stress - and there are so few round tables for six etc where cross-table conversation flows. It's a difference you notice immediately visiting in urban-Oz because the customer is so much more discerning and the competition is high leading to a much better experience in all types of restaurant. Sadly, I can't see that happening here. We've sold the high street to hedge funded franchise chains who will squeeze until shuttered finally for the zombie apocalypse.
