I apologize for the delay in responding to your comment. No, we are not that isolated; Chicago is an easy drive and the others are a flight of varying lengths away. Traveling for the fine dining experience has two effects on me. First, the frequency of the experience is almost necessarily more limited. Frequency promotes both familiarity and comfort with the experience. Second, the necessity of travel also promotes the “special occasion” aspect of fine dining that I feel we need a whole lot less of.

On the other hand, travel to these other cities allows an intensity of the fine dining experience that permits real time comparison and contrasts. I will long remember a single night in New York when I had drinks and canapes, an appetizer or pastry at per se, Jean-Georges and Daniel (as well as Cafe Gray, Bar Masa and Country) and the 36 hour period when I had dinner at Del Posto, drinks at Daniel followed by dinner at per se and lunch at Le Bernardin. I formed more impressions about what aspects of fine dining are important to me on those two occasions than any other time.

Thanks for your visit and comment.

Michael

–Out of reach? Are we really that isloated? I think, perhaps, you underestimate the ability of Cincinnati residents as well as aspiring restaurateurs to actually travel to NY, Chicago et al., in order to indulge in the “fine dining” experience. Who doesn’t like to experience at least one “big dinner” on the town when visiting other cities? If we lack the necessary clientele to maintain such establishments other than on a “special occasion” basis, why not couple it with a weekend junket as well. In any event, Chicago’s not a bad drive…and there’s always Megabus. I’m sure it will drop you off at Alinea or Trotter’s doorstep if you slip the driver a sawbuck.