"I eat out. It doesn't discourage me. I even eat at some places that, well, aren't as good (in scores) as others," he says.

He offers some advice: Go where you enjoy the food and look around to see if it looks clean and well-operated. He concedes that even though he enjoys eating out, "There are places where I don't want to eat anymore" because of too-low scores for too long.

Sine, with the restaurant association, also urges residents not to worry and to enjoy eating out. "When you consider the number of meals served and the number of violations . . . the restaurant industry does an excellent job."

She said: "Enjoy eating out. There are many places to eat, and they fit every budget. It is a great way to get out of the house and do something with the family."

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com