I'm So Over Pretending to Like It

Ever since my parents insisted on taking me to this fancy restaurant downtown for our family anniversary dinner last year, I've had a major case of food pretension. I mean, the place is all fine dining and linen tablecloths, but here's the thing: I just don't get why everyone acts like eating there is some sort of culinary peak experience. Sure, it’s fancy, but honestly, I could probably recreate those entrees at home with a bit more elbow grease than my dad would appreciate. And yet, every time we go out to eat as a family and pass that restaurant, even if they're just serving up your basic burgers elsewhere, everyone starts making plans for next month's 'special dinner' there. I've faked smiles and polite nods about how 'delicious' the food is more times than I care to count. But let’s be real: it's just a place where they charge too much for not being particularly innovative or even that tasty. So here goes nothing: I'm done pretending to love this fancy joint. Next time, we're getting takeout and watching a movie at home instead.