We live in S. Calif. and we eat out a lot but I find the portions to be quite large at many of the restaurants we patronize. I really think most restaurants in S. CA are very reasonable and you get your money's worth. The one day we do think twice about going out is Valentine's Day - the prices are always double or triple and they rush you in and out so don't usually go out then, but basically you get lots for your money here. Now housing - that's another story.

Scarlet,
Why do you think it's the same person?

That's why cooking shows and schools are doing so well and teaching us to invite friends in !
High price rip offs? Besides Valentines,~ Mothers Day, Father's Day,
Thanksgiving (for those who don't want to roast a turkey -20 minutes per pound at 350) and then clean up.
And don't we love the $9 salad with an extra charge for a shot glass of cheese!!!???!!

Scarlett is miraculously able to channel trolls. That's why she's achieved a high level of respect on this board :-d

Dreamer, I was there in those days.

TG, be careful, nellyann will get you! LOL

So was I. That's why I'm wondering.

Oh, OK, don't you remember Leone? he always signed off with Ciao?
Don't you see the similarity in his posting and SergioL or blacktie or todays TravelsLaughing..sheesh, it would embarrass me to even call myself that LOL

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...mp;tid=1316841

Dreamer,
tell me if any of this sounds familiar.

Yes, I do. Especially the way it ended for him. I'd be surprised that he was back. A lot of people Ciao around here! It must have jogged your memory, however.

LOL!
Seems Joan was right!
Thanks for the memories...

I loved this title
Am I the only one fed up with paying $20 for a plate of pasta?

No (my answer would be)
I hate to pay for food period and even more! I can't stand paying for drinks too...

So the answer would be "NO".
NO you are not the only one.

Came across this old thread and wanted to bring it forward--how things have changed in 20-plus years!

I wonder what the OP thinks about paying $20 for a hamburger. And, no, I don't count what is called a hamburger at McD et al.

I went to a talk given by an up-an-coming Asian chef who was opening an Italian restaurant. When asked why, he said he could make noodles and sell it for $12/13 dollars at his regular restaurant or twice that at his new Italian restaurant....

24 year old post!! That pasta plate probably costs $25+ bucks by now :-)

And "good quality pasta" is now at least $3.00 a pound.

Oh man... I miss $20 pasta dishes. $30 and up now. :-/

Go to Belotti in Oakland, CA. They have great pastas for under 20 and are Michelin rated I'm pretty sure

With inflation a $20 plate of pasta today would be $36 according to the federal reserve inflation calculator. I suppose in NYC it is that high now.

Took a look at the Olive Garden menu of Classic Entrees. Near me in SoCal all dishes are $15 to $25. Expect to pay around $22.

At the Times Square location, it is $18 to $30. Expect to pay around $26.

Today's $20 dish woulda been $11.11 back in 2001.

But if that $20 was for a typical dish in 2021 and today a typical dish is $25 then the increase would be less than the inflation rate (25% increase vs 80%). That is possible with more efficient food production, distribution, and preparation along with increased volume providing economy of scale. Not that i know what am talking about.

And that quality pasta going from $2 to $3 is only 50% increase, so better price today. Maybe Fedup (OP) had a point.

Prices at even average restaurants feel way out of proportion lately. I get that costs have gone up across the board, but $100 for two at a casual place still stings. Honestly, sometimes I opt for something simpler, like a classic burger combo from Wendy’s :burger::fries: It’s not fancy, but at least the price feels more grounded in reality these days.