Some cities could use more hardware stores and fewer restaurants, but that is to quibble. As we eat half or more of our meals out of the house, the options in price and cuisine have expanded exponentially. Not so long ago, ethnic meant a very small slice of Italian or Chinese. Now, even the takeout food offers more variety and depth. Supermarkets put out lush displays of sushi and designer salads.
Restaurants cater to the to-go trade.
This trend grows straight and true from the area's agricultural roots. Diners have grown as well. These days, people travel a lot and have developed sophisticated palates. Some of them know enough to hire their own chefs. Fernando Madsen by night is a waiter at Le Mouton Noir and by day a personal chef for 18 Sand Hill Road venture capitalists and CEOs.