UFO, I think your experience has more to do with Carlton and Italian food, than anything else. I have never ever had a good Italian meal, although I must admit I don't like that country's food to start with (too greasy, too saucy, too *blerk*)
As for other restaurants, they have gone downhill in the last twenty years. In the 80's going out to a restaurant or even a cafe was a treat - you expected good service and got it - and the food was delicious - much nicer than you could make at home.
Today, the food is bland, particularly in cafes; it makes sense considering people who prepare meals today have no experience in food preparation nor skills. In the "old" days - chefs with a degree would be preparing your sandwiches. Today, it's uni students who don't give a **bleep**.
But what scares me off restaurants most, is what waiters and chefs do to your food if they don't like you. I won't disgust you with the gory details - but whatever you do NEVER send your food back, asking for changes. I know people in the restaurant industry: whatever you do NEVER send your food back.
I would have done what you did UFO, only I wouldn't have paid. This has happened to me five times, and although the owners aren't pleased, what can they do? I have to say though, the fillet-o-fish at Macdonalds is *blerk* as well - but anything is better than Italian ๐
