b. $50! Where do you live? Here in Cleveland to eat in a really upscale restaurant it would cost you way more than that for 2 people - about double, if you don't have alcohol.
I live in Florida. In an area where an expensive meal with wine averages about 50.00 a person.
I don't mind spending money on a very good meal but nothing torques me more than an overpriced meal. You know the $10.00 burger or the $20.00 chicken ala taste of hotel banquet.
As for the author's parents I bet to them a fancy restaurant was Howard Johnsons and a deluxe seafood dinner was the all you can eat clam strips.