With the number of high end restaurants doing "luxury" adaptation of classic, cheap ethnic fare, I think I sometimes forget how good to real deal is.

I agree with others that a lot of fine dining just isn't really that good, esp. given the price you are paying. The same could also be said about wine. I am glad to hear there are others with the same thoughts. I know one day I will crave a meal at a Alain Duccase restaurant or look back on esquisite japanese sushi meals, but these days give me a Pink' hotdog or an In n' Out burger and I am darn happy.