Sam and John wrote a great but sad story about the economy and restaurants. Sobo Cafe has been around forever and Brent is always there working. Hopefully everything will get better soon.

My wife and I have cut back on our dinners out during the week from one or two to none but we still eat out for lunch on Saturday and Sunday. A great way for us to save money is to go to BYOB restaurants. I have cut back on the $10 -$12 glasses of wine I used to drink. If restaurants want to attract more patrons I suggest they look at reducing the cost for wine by the glass. Somewhere over the weekend I saw a wine that sells at retail for $9 a bottle on a menu for $7.50 per glass. Cut the cost back to $3.50 per glass and get more customers.
Off Topic: I work for a heavy/highway contractor. If you think the cost of fuel is hurting restaurants take a look at what our equipment burns per hour.

We cut back from eating out 2 to 3 evenings a week to just 1.

Also, I would usually grab something at Atwater's while running errands on Saturday or Sunday afternoon, but lately I've been waiting until I get home to throw together my lunch. I am craving an Atwater's chicken salad sandwich on the sunflower flax bread.

The story was interesting and well-written but at least a month behind other news outlets both online and off. I've read articles from around the country regarding this "crisis" but it still was good to get the local perspective.

Reading the story, I couldn't help but think of your recent review of the Brass Elephant where just about every entree is now over $30. The new chef's food sounded just fine but there are less and less people these days who can spring for a $200 meal for 2 including appetizer, desert, wine and tip. One can only hope that soaring prices don't lead to the Elephant's graveyard.

Another example for the "restaurants and the economy" story: I just got the latest mailing from Valpak, and there were more coupons for restaurants than are usually included.

Oh hell, now I have "Baby Elephant Walk" in my head. Grrrr.....

Went to a small food & drink fest at the Constellation (the ship, not enegy company) last Friday and the Brass Elephant was among the restaurants represented. What was their offering?? A tiny slice of cucumber with a bit of salmon mousse on top. I'm sure that will have people lining up to dine there. What was the chef thinking? The Hooters table had better samples.

How about last week I went with some friends to Loco Hombre.
I ordered the Shrimp Fajita at $18.
I received 4 everyday shrimp with my meal.
Should have known better at a place like that!