> How do they get the words out to the locals when they move place?
These particular restauranteurs are effectively local rock stars, and they have a fan base that keeps track of what they're up to. That fan base then tells other locals.
> Do people constantly try new ones that just pop up?
Lots of people do this as well. Any non-chain restaurant that opens up has very busy first weeks as everyone who cares gives it a try.
> I find myself living in the same town in years without finding a single restaurant that I can call "truly exceptional".
Yes, I'm fortunate in that the town I live in (which is a smallish mid-size city, not a big one) values exceptional dining as part of the culture, so people who enjoy making exceptional food are attracted here. Not all cities are like this.
We have a thriving live music and live theater scene, too. Everything took a very serious hit with the pandemic, though, and it isn't what it was before. But it's coming back.
These particular restauranteurs are effectively local rock stars, and they have a fan base that keeps track of what they're up to. That fan base then tells other locals.
> Do people constantly try new ones that just pop up?
Lots of people do this as well. Any non-chain restaurant that opens up has very busy first weeks as everyone who cares gives it a try.
> I find myself living in the same town in years without finding a single restaurant that I can call "truly exceptional".
Yes, I'm fortunate in that the town I live in (which is a smallish mid-size city, not a big one) values exceptional dining as part of the culture, so people who enjoy making exceptional food are attracted here. Not all cities are like this.