"Noisy Restaurants" article in Wall Street Journal !!!

[JerseyGirl2]

An article in today's (February 3, 2010) Wall Street Journal about the problems of noisy restaurants might be of interest to many of you. Here's the link:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704022804575041060813407740.html

The title is "Pass the Salt ... and a Megaphone" and talks about the trend in cutting-edge restaurants to feature hardwood floors, high ceilings, wide open spaces, linen-free tables, etc. ... thus turning into "hard-surfaced echo chambers."

It includes a sidebar entitled "Dinner Without Yelling," with tips on finding a quieter dining experience. I think most of us who've been dealing with this problem will recognize these tips ... but a little review never hurts!

Catherine (JerseyGirl 2)

[Brendalu]

Great article, Catherine, I can sure relate to it.  Thanks for sharing!
Brenda

[Sue]

Oh aren't those places awful!  Wanted a few birthdays back to go to this wonderful restaurant in Portland.  It was a great place for the menu and we enjoyed the food, but, Holy Cow!!  It was an echo chamber just like your are describing and not pleasant to visit or to enjoy the "ambiance" such as it was.  Horrible trend.  But, the noise, music and confusion make to people eating faster and getting the heck out of there, and then the restaurant can seat the next group who will eat fast and get the heck out of there.  It's all a plot.  If you are nice and comfy and relaxed and talking, the restaurant makes little money off of that, unless you are also drinking up a storm. 

Sue in Vancouver, USA