You’ve heard them referenced on The Bear and maybe even looked out for them when deciding your next meal: Michelin stars. The prestigious one to three star rating system awarded to the best of the best in dining. But Americans are expected to spend 7% less on eating out this summer, and as menu prices increase, Brittany wonders: what really gets people into a restaurant these days?

This is… Food for Thought. And for the next few weeks, we’re looking at the way food and dining shape our communities and culture.

Brittany talks with reporter and video host for The Times’ Food section and New York Times Cooking, Priya Krishna, and Eater correspondent Jaya Saxena, to find out.