Declining Economy = Declining Quality?

[pang]

Recently went to the Kenmore location of Petit Robert having not been in a long while. I needed a french onion soup fix! I ordered the soup, pates and a bottle of delicious wine. I remember the soup being hot and gooey with pungent gruyere. This was not hot or gooey or gruyere! Some shabby, tasteless cheese sat atop my soup, adding nothing to the overall flavor and enjoyment. Sad. But, the pates were as delectable as always except in place of delightful little cornichons were slices of sandwich dill pickles. I did miss those little cornichons.

Has anyone else experienced what seems to be cost cutting measures effecting overall quality/enjoyment at their favorite places of late??

[Carty]

I have noticed only that as a result of the economy I am unable to frequent my favorite places of late as often as I used to :).

Good news? You can get a table just about anywhere on very little notice, esp. during the week.

I'd imagine the economic reaper will take places out completely rather than, in general, drive quality down.

[alwayscooking]

They are consistently inconsistent with their food - read the other postings. Signs of the economic times does not mean cold soup - just bad prep. Can't directly comment on recent experiences since I gave up them awhile ago given varying food and service. Sometimes good and more often - hmmm.

[hotoynoodle]

if the soup wasn't hot (not to mention that it didn't fit the menu description) why didn't you send it back or speak up?