Had a nice meal last week in my suburb. It was one of those old 'establishment' restaurants that have quietly been open for 20-30 years and have a consistent following.

We sat out on the verandah on a nice rainy night. Its August in the south, so its usually too hot to sit outside, but it wasn't too hot.

It was an excellent meal and experience.

1) Pared down menu to standard favorites

2) Limited seating so the staff isn't as rushed.

3) Its an established restaurant, not a trendy one and not a tourist dependent restaurant, so it wasn't too financially strapped.

4) The wait staff was less harried and the customers were really forgiving because of the circumstances.

5) Expectations were lower. It was my first nice dining trip since March. Having a cocktail and a really nicely cooked steak was such a treat.

I really think the pared down menu worked for this restaurant. Its customer base of well heeled locals want more traditional steak, fish, chicken entree's cooked right. And it was a great experience.