Ambiance - This can mean everything from the location to the flatwear. Includes decor, color scheme, menus, music, clientele, and the sign outside.

Service - Good service is the cornerstone of a pleasureable eating experience. Waitstaff should be knowledgeable and attentive with extra credit for anticipating our needs and making good recommendations.

Plating - Did they just plop everything on a plate and send it out or did they get creative with it? The best meals delight the eye as well as the palate and use color and altitude to add intrigue to the experience.

Taste - The most subjective category of them all. I won’t spend much time on it here because this will probably take up the bulk of each review. Extra points are given for adventurous flavor combinations, rare ingredients, and exquisite sauces.

Value - Worth the money, effort, drive, morning after?

Festivus Gastronomicus Rating (lowest to highest):

• Crapicus
• Not-so-badicus
• Tasticus
• Delecticus
• Fantasticus