I would do for my father what I would like him to do for me, appreciate him. It sounds like you understand the way he is; I would tell him when he recommends something you enjoy, "thank you" and just think when he is contrary, "that's the way he is".

Some people get anxious when they feel others are too close to them, have to go opposite to "get away". If you just thank him when he suggests something that turns out to be something you enjoy and listen but do not comment on what he suggests or seems to like at the moment and do your own thing, he might not be so contrary. Do not tell him too much that you "like" something, just thank him for telling you about something and then you like it or not on your own. Be attentive to him but not the "same" as him.

If you liked Golden Corral but did not tell him, just were thankful for being taken out to dinner (no matter where) and being with him, he might not have to change to something where you were like him; he may not feel he is a good enough father or good enough person for you to like what he likes so when you agree too much with him, he gets afraid and goes somewhere else?