If I may ...
Have no modern fav restaurant Mainly because none actually "home make" anything. It's all SYSCO, Performance Food Group, US Foods, etc., delivered crap that comes from corporate GMO food growers and processed or pre-processed food manufacturers.
Not true.....You must be going to the wrong places. When I had my oyster farm a while back sold oysters to many a local restaurant that when I delivered to them there was a lot off prepping going on, no Sysco products....maybe crackers and Ketchup.
My two picks were Courtneys and Pier 450. I have been in both kitchens many times, again no Sysco for entrees.
I always was amazed at the Lighthouse in Solomons....10am the kitchen was a mad house prepping for lunch, Crabcakes, even homemade coleslaw, wrapping scallops with bacon, etc. Same with the Front Porch.I haven't been in the kitchen at Sweetbay or Il Piccolo Morso but I am sure its the same.
A good friend of mine and restauranteur has a sign in his restaurant, "Cheap food is not good and Good food is not cheap.
You need to step up your game......