Ever notice one person's idea of "good food" or a "great restaurant" is radically different from one's own?

Maybe I have high standards, and I do cook a lot, but I find most places to be overrated. People will rave on about a certain new place (until a newer one opens up) and go on and on about it. I'll go there, and say, eh, it's okay.

I seriously doubt anyone in most of western Michigan has had really truly authentic Chinese food around here. If they have, they aren't telling me about it! What I find is buffets with Americanized homogenized relatively bland chicken pieces in some sort of sauce. Eh. I can make that at home, thank you very much.

I say these things not to be bitchy, but to remind myself NOT to listen to most people. Give me a local restaurant that uses fresh local ingredients. I love lots of different kinds of cuisines, too. I'm flexible and open to a variety of tastes.

Hm... must be lunch time!