I've become a decent home cook, cooking almost every weeknight for my fiancee and myself. I source good produce from the local farmers markets every weekend. I have accumulated a solid background in French and Chinese cooking techniques, and rarely have to agonize what to make for dinner sans recipe.

These days, I rarely think about eating at the mid to mid-high end places anymore (main dish at $15-28 in SF). With a few exceptions, these places just don't offer an interesting or good value dining experience anymore. The level of technique is often average, with typical proteins served in a boring manner. For this, I also get to deal with hit-or-miss service, SF parking and terrible wine lists.

I much rather eat at hole-in-the-wall places where the food is simple but shows good technique from that ethnic cuisine. Peasant food. Easily enjoyable and easier on the wallet also.

I still like to occasionally splurge on the really high end places ($100+ tasting menus) but it's no longer my raison d'etre.

When traveling, it can be even more depressing, because coworkers or friends will recommend places that are supposedly really good/interesting, but the restaurants would most likely not make it in SF.