665082 Thu Nov 05 20:30:54 -0800 2009 0 33 Food Media and News 0 5159963 US News says Mastro's is on the ropes (http://www.usnews.com/money/blogs/flowchart/2009/06/12/restaurants-on-the-ropes.html): Mastro’s. These elegant steakhouses may be among the nation’s best, but they’re also clustered in Arizona and southern California, where housing woes have char-broiled the economy. With just 7 outlets (including two Ocean Club restaurants), Mastro’s lacks the scale and geographic diversity of bigger chains like Morton’s and McCormick & Schmick’s. Sales have fallen along with customers’ net worth and corporate expense budgets, and Mastro’s cash flow is likely to get worse before the double-cut porterhouse ($68.50) comes back into style.............. Anyone notice a decline in patronage at Mastro's? Thu Nov 05 20:30:54 -0800 2009 12380 bernardo