Economic Impact on Everyday Gastronomy
Citizens are experiencing a significant increase in the cost of living, with prices of essential items, including supermarket food, reaching alarming levels. This situation not only affects everyday shopping, but also extends to the dining options available, making many meals an exclusive and inaccessible experience for a large part of the population.
The Case of Extravagant Beers
Recently, an incident in the world of leisure attracted attention when a group of customers faced an exorbitant cost of €19.80 for two double canes in a tourist bar, a situation that has left many perplexed. This viralization of prices has been the subject of debate on several media platforms, including popular television programs that analyzed the growing trend of prices that equate beers with high-end combos.
The Context of the Price Increase
This generation of high costs in drinks must be seen as part of a wider pattern that affects gastronomy in general. The costs of operations, which include expenses for energy, supplies and ingredients, directly influence the final prices that consumers have to pay.
Regretting the Loss of Accessible Menus
In another aspect, the availability of lunch menus under ten euros has become almost a chimera in Catalonia. The new reality means that what used to be an affordable lunch is now around twelve or thirteen euros, with many establishments offering menus at higher prices that seem unaffordable for the average worker.
The Increase in Costs of Bread and Tapas
The situation has become even more complicated, since in many cases the bread, which used to be included in the menu, now ends up having an additional price. Likewise, the tapas that traditionally accompanied the drinks have become scarce, with options limited to nuts or olives, a far cry from the generous food offerings of the past.
The Reality of the Restaurateurs
It is crucial to understand that restaurateurs are not always responsible for rising prices: market pressures and rising costs of ingredients and services also affect them deeply. Maintaining a gastronomic establishment today is an unprecedented challenge, forcing the owners to make sacrifices that often affect their customers. The landscape is complex, and gastronomy, a reflection of the economic conditions of the moment, is clearly influenced by market variations.
