Originally Posted by JumboJ

Actually I think I'm trending the other way. The whole pomp and process of "fine dining" seems progressively more silly to me as over and over again I find that my palate is much more stimulated by "down at the heels" ethnic food than most haute cuisine. Not that I won't take the lady out for the high end experience from time to time, but truth be told that experience is less about the food and more about the intangibles.. as my mouth alone would generally be more stimulated by some Indian or Thai, both of which are seldom particularly expensive or fancy. Also these are cuisines that I'd not be able to prepare reasonably myself. I am however, perfectly adept and searing a scallop or grilling a steak. Generally I like very, very spicy food. I don't find much haute cuisine fitting this description.