Ever since i started watching such shows as Hell's Kitchen, the F word (Gordon Ramsay's british cooking competition show in his own restaurant, Claridge's in Britain), and MasterChef, I've been encouraged to come out of the rut that was dinnertime at our house.
For years it was the same, pork chops, spaghetti, chicken (mom's allergic to beef), and sometimes steak. But the way dad does steak under the broiler, it always turns out overdone without being very "browned". I dunno if he sets the rack too low (2nd rack down from the top) or what.
Then I saw the dishes being put out on those shows, and was encouraged to try making new things.