Oneandahalf, I also liked your posts in this thread. I would totally eat a restaurant you were the chef at.

I have no problem with a chef considering himself an artist, but if they want to run a commercial restaurant geared towards the average folk and that generates revenue, the chef needs to realize that it's not the correct venue to demand his 'art' be appreciated. If he insists that food be eaten only the way he wants to cook it, then that needs to be disclosed very clearly on the menu or restaurant window/door. I would not eat at a restaurant where that happens and I would want to know upfront so that I could turn around and leave.