Hors d'oeuvre

For some years now I have enjoyed being a New Brunswick local, both living and working in the area.
I can tell you which restaurants validate at the Church Street parking deck, who makes the best vodka gimlet, where to get a well seasoned rack of lamb, and how to find the most authentic and inexpensive kofta.

And yet when my friends, colleagues, husband and I are looking for a place to dine out together: we often find ourselves victims of the unimaginative, trans-fat laden, and apologetically microwavable menus of the many chain restaurants that thrive on the outskirts of town. Why is this?

Many argue that the chief reason is sheer economics: dining out in restaurants with real tablecloths = an astronomical bill replete with $30 entrees and $8 cocktails. NOT true.
Yes, there are opportunities (read: pitfalls) to splurge at many dining establishments - but there is divine food, well balanced service and impeccable culinary experiences to be had at ALL budget levels.

I do not pretend to have any expertise, ulterior motives, or agenda. However, in the spirit of full disclosure, a few disclaimers:

1. I have eaten in some of the best restaurants in NYC....and have eaten in many sketchy basement cafes with a curious and unidentifiable odor.
Some of the best quality and most interesting meals were had in the latter environment.

2. I believe in the beautiful marriage of food, friends, drinks - PERIOD.
I define "Fine Dining" as an establishment that provides a platform for this heavenly triumvirate. Food snobs beware: I might possibly write about Stuff Yer Face and Stage Left in the same month....or week....gasp! And with the first lovely spring evening, I plan to make a visit to the Grease Trucks....ok, there, I scared the last one away.
My real point:
While a neighborhood "beer and burger" joint and a Zagat rated restaurant cannot be compared, each can be (and should be) appreciated and honored for their own strengths.

3. I will not disclose to a restaurateur or server that I am planning to write about my experience. I am writing this in the same spirit that my girlfriends and I compare "dining out" stories. In contrast to food critics and restaurant reviewers, I will NOT be actively looking for holes or room for criticism.
I dine out frequently and documenting the experience is really a tertiary goal.
My primary goal is to have a good time, the second is to order and consume original and well executed food. On the other hand, if you get in the way of me achieving goals #1 and 2, whether it be via snooty service or overcooked chicken - it will likely be mentioned goal #3.

I'm very much looking forward to sharing and hope that this exercise will encourage me (and all of us) to explore our palates and support our city.