What do you think?
I started writing the “DiningOUT” columns two years ago. Over those two years, I’ve gotten very little feedback. Marty’s received some feedback from the pals that he runs into at “happy hour” time in Mt. Vernon’s watering holes but all in all, we’ve heard very little back from the people that we hope are reading these columns. What do you think? Do you find them useful? How can they be improved? Finding out what you think will help us to ensure that these columns provide the most value to our readers. ...Continue

Valentine’s Day?
Oh boy! Valentine’s Day! It’s time for one more “Hallmark Holiday” where I feel guilt-tripped into doing something on an arbitrarily assigned day to prove that I feel something (and feel bad if I don’t).  Surely there must be cultures where “significant others” feel loved without receiving a greeting card on some assigned day?  Massive amounts of advertising and store displays try to manipulate us into spending money to prove our affections by buying a VD card, buying VD candy and/or buying that special someone a VD dinner. ...Continue

The 12 “Best” of 2009
Best Restaurant Marty Had Never Heard Of! - Feast@4East  (Mt. Vernon)
Even with all the time he spends in Mt. Vernon, Marty didn't have a clue that "Feast@4East" existed.  When John suggested eating there, he had dubious expectations, BUT the classy small dining room, attentive service and tasty food changed all that and we've been introducing our friends to the aptly named “Feast” ever since! ...Continue

Restaurant Week
The 2010 Winter Restaurant Week marketing promotion runs from Jan. 22-Feb.7, just one week long originally, the event has stretched out into two weeks).   It’s a powerful marketing gimmick that offers a three course meal for a supposedly bargain price. It’s designed to drum up business at the two times of year when the dining industry is typically at a low point from the impact of the winter cold and darkness or the  summer vacation season. (And you thought it was just coincidence that it ends the weekend before Valentine’s Day? <Wink!>). ...Continue

Changes in Dining
The start of a new year provides time to reflect on changes that occurred in the past year. Sometimes I’m grateful for these changes but I also delude myself into thinking that things haven't changed much (when they have!) or waste time grumbling over what's gone and not likely to come back like my 36" waistline! ...Continue