Crisis? What crisis?
Is the slowdown in the economy being exaggerated or are people simply making merry while all around them crumbles?
I ask because restaurants are generally regarded as a bit of a barometer of how well off people feel and, if that's the case, then Birmingham's eaters-out seem to think things are OK.
Restaurants told me that January and February - the two slowest months of the year - were unusually busy. Then last Monday evening - traditionally the quietest night of the week - the expensive but excellent in Brindleyplace Cielo was packed.
At the weekend I tried to book a table for four this coming Saturday at two of Birmingham's less famous eateries and, in both cases, they were already fully booked.
Either we're continuing to spend beyond our means or there's more disposable dosh sloshing round than the pundits would have us believe.
Meanwhile, I'm still on the hunt for a table for Saturday...if they're not all taken. All suggestions gratefully received.
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Paul Fulford
Features Editor Paul Fulford gives his verdict on the region’s restaurants.
It does seem as if certain sections of the press are determined to talk us into a recession. The run on Northern Rock was helped (if not precipitated) by the BBC's financial journo, and we've had a weekend of being told that there would be no petrol (did you see any queues? I didn't)...
So why can't we have symmetry in financial journalism? Sure, tell us that billions have been wiped off the market when it falls 100 points: but only if you're going to tell us that billions have been put on when it goes up the next day!
As to a table... I've suffered from too many bad hotel meals lately - I'd be more than happy with a trip to Cafe Soya.
I agree about Cafe Soya, Duncan. Good food at a great price served by friendly staff.
I agree, too, that hotel meals often disappoint. I guess that's because so many punters have big expense accounts and very little taste so hotels can get away serving mediocre food at high prices.
Another moan about hotel restaurants: they are always fullk of people noisily braying into their mobile phones!