Garlic Mashed Potatoes are everywhere

What is the deal with so many restaurants serving these now as if they were some sort of exotic food?
We went out of town for an anniversary get-a-way. I checked out the restaurants and went with a local one, that serves food in season and sourced from local farmers. The locals said it was great. I ordered a grilled salmon that came covered up with a sauce, so I have no idea if it was grilled, but I doubt it.
I watched what other folks ordered, many were having steaming bowls of pasta with shrimp and other seafood and seemed to be enjoying it.

This is a Mediterranean restaurant.
Are the restaurants doing the same thing in your town? How do you go about selecting a restaurant when traveling, other that searching on the web?

...How do you go about selecting a restaurant when traveling, other that searching on the web?

Before traveling, post an inquiry in the "Wine Related Travel" forum. Quite often, somebody here will have recommendations.

As Howie says. Between this Forum and a food/wine e-mail discussion list I've been a member of for nearly 15 years, someone always either lives where I need a rec, or travels there regularly for business or pleasure.

I've also been successful in small towns by asking people in gas stations or convenience stores if there is a restaurant in town that has food that local people just don't "get." Chances are it's a haven for food lovers and either a) ethnic, b) using ingredients in interesting ways, or c) both.

I've also been successful in small towns by asking people in gas stations or convenience stores if there is a restaurant in town that has food that local people just don't "get." Chances are it's a haven for food lovers and either a) ethnic, b) using ingredients in interesting ways, or c) both.

Very funny. And a good idea!

[Jenise]

Cynthia, another method I've deployed is finding the gay area of town, if there is such a thing, or walking into high-end shops, the kind that would have interior designers, to ask about good local spots. People who have both great taste and means tend to understand good food.

But yeah re garlic mashed--they're good, but that's not special any more.

There you go, Jenise! We food lovers are resourceful!!

[David M. Bueker]

If there's a used bookstore in town the owner/shopkeeper is sure to be a fan of organics & thus local, and usually good food. An odd trick, but it has worked in many towns.

Great suggestions and so creative! Thanks.

Bucko's B&B is serving them tonight, along with grilled black peppercorn yellowfin tuna and green leek coulis. Yum...