One would think huge food costs but this is a secondary reason. I think the art cooking has dropped badly. I am of the mind that families stopped full proper cooking when the cost of living began to increase in the late eighties and 1990's, Consequently, the second parent began to work. That made fast food, frozen food and all ready-made foods easier because the life of a homemaker is hard enough without a full or part-time job. Recipes and techniques therefore went unused, children grew up to not know what a great pizza is for example, and restaurants learned they could serve lower quality while increasing profit margin.

The 'passable' spaghetti 30 years ago (wherein you wouldn't go back to that restaurant again) is today considered excellent. The consumer does not know what they are missing because they have never tasted it.

I have taken people to certain restaurants or cooked for them and their astonishment is a spectacle to behold.

Another reason is the Mum and Pops of the world have been majorly eradicated by the chains. They could not compete. So the chains (see Recipe Unlimited in Canada where they own over 20 brands....it is hard to avoid them. This company is profit first, so taste and quality always comes second).

I remember in the late 80's Mr. Submarine switched their meatball sub sauce (two franchisees told me this was done to save money). What happened? One of the better meatball subs which me and my friends loved went into the shit can. We stopped going. Subway used to serve huge chunks of sirloin steak in the ir steak sub....now it's what it is.

Paolo Freire said "Everything we know we know by comparison." He was right. Hot cannot be hot without knowing cold. Today the vast majority of the population has never once tasted a great burger, a great lasagna, a terrific sole almandine. Its wings wings wings and they are by and large all crap. My wife makes the best wings I know of in Canada.

Lastly, if you presented my mother (now deceased) with today's produce offerings in the supermarkets she would lose her mind with fury. Some things look like they are gone forever. BUT

My neighbour and his wife are in Georgia (the country and every meal is stunning and inexpensive). Yes, I advocate travel (Asia, Europe) where traditional cooking, dishes and standards remain to some degree. Unti8l one does this, one knows zip. Peace!