> 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.
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.