Closures and Repetition Were Some of the Biggest Dining Grievances of 2016

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types and bloggers. To kick it off in Nashville, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequent most to the biggest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What was your biggest dining grievance of 2016?

Nancy Vienneau, food writer and critic for The Tennessean:

Too sweet cocktails and too noisy venues.

Collin Czarnecki, founder and writer for NOBLE Nashville:

Bailey & Cato closing.

Chris Chamberlain, food writer for Nashville Scene’s Bites Blog, Food Republic and author of The Southern Foodie: 100 Places to Eat Before You Die:

A lunch special at a new spot where I was not told what "market price" was and almost accidentally spent $40 on a 5 oz. portion of tilefish and some sauteed chard. That would really have pissed me off if I hadn't thought to ask!

Lizzy Alfs, retail reporter for The Tennessean:

Does it count when you get to Five Daughters Bakery late and all the 100 Layer Donuts are gone? I’m mostly joking – Five Daughters has their cronut-making skills down to a science now – but in the early days you had to beat the crowds for your chance at a chocolate sea salt donut. If you haven’t tried one, do it.

Lesley Lassiter, food writer for Nashville Scene’s Bites Blog and Lesley Eats:

Crowds. There are a lot of restaurants I just don't bother with because I'm not organized enough to make reservations in advance.

Matt Rogers, editor Eater Nashville:

While the restaurant scene keeps steadily progressing, there is still way too much repetition and parody project to project. There are a number of dining voids that still need to be filled in Nashville, so what’s keeping those potential restaurants from getting off the ground?

Vivek Surti, founder of VEA Supper Club and Sabrage Society:

People going crazy over bad cronuts.

Beth Wallace Sachan, founder and food writer at Eat. Drink. Smile.:

Do we really need ANOTHER high end burger joint??

Kristin Luna, travel and food writer and founder of travel blog Camels & Chocolate:

That there are far too many restaurants and not enough meals in the day. Can the restaurant scene really keep up at this pace? There are so many newcomers I've yet to try that I'm dying to, including Etc., Marsh House, TKO, Nicky's Coal Fired Pizza, Barcelona Wine Bar, Funk Seoul Brother.

Kristy Lucero, associate editor Eater Nashville:

The unexpected shutters of The Birdhouse, The Mad Platter, The Hook and Mad Donna’s.