So many rules, just to avoid a bad meal once in a while. The author should learn to live a little. Also, if I was ordering the least interesting sounding thing at fancy restaurants, I'd always be ordering a burger.
"When I’m out looking for food, and I come across a restaurant where the patrons are laughing and smiling and appear very sociable, I become wary. Don’t get me wrong. Having fun is a fine ambition, but it’s not the same thing as eating good food."
But really, it's an opinion. If you don't agree, move on.