Madam, - The status of Ireland, and in particular Dublin, as one of the most expensive places in Europe has had a deserved focus over the past number of weeks. Everything, it seems, from accommodation to insurance is conspiring against us. The restaurant industry is a prime example. Anyone who is fortunate enough to be travelling abroad this summer will soon notice the economic pleasure of eating out in another country.
A number of little things strike almost any traveller. The first is the provision of a small salad in many restaurants abroad. It doesn't appear on the bill as a starter - and even if it did, it would be unlikely to cost €7. In other countries it is customary to begin the meal with some olives, peppers and bread, all of which are provided by the restaurant.
Even the most basic orders that we do pay for in Dublin do not always come in sufficient portions. There is no reason why extra rice, pasta or potato cannot be provided free of charge. All of these staples are purchased in massive quantities and even for the supermarket shopper cost very little, comparatively speaking.
Finally, an aspect that has of late riled many customers is the price of soft drinks. Though this is an endemic problem of our public houses, it is a ploy not unknown in the restaurant business. This is an aspect of the meal which demands no preparation or skill of the restaurateur - in fact one can often see the drink coming straight from a two-litre bottle. Yet the price would suggest something else.
Just as there is undoubtedly a problem with the competitiveness of many restaurants in Dublin, there are simple and practical solutions. - Yours, etc.,
WILL PRIESTLEY,
Butterfield Avenue,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 14.