I know we have cut way back... for us though the cutting back has been more to do with spotty service and food preparation. We have been fully vaccinated at every opportunity so would love to go out more...
Eager to hear of good dining experiences or new places that are making the grade... we love spending for good food and service... suggestions?
I certainly stopped going to certain places and do a lot more take out.
My issues with take out us that it seems to favor certain cuisines... clearly Chinese, pizza, pasta but a burger and fries or fish and chips just doesn't fit take out or delivery. I hate cold food...
Only take out or eat outside in a socially distanced table setting. Most restaurants now cater to one or both options so not an issue for us.
We do eat at home a bit more than in the past. Of course, it means going to the grocery store but we mask and stay far from others. Try to shop less busy times too. Occasionally, we will get store delivery. With store outages, you really have to visit more regularly to catch things as soon as they arrive.
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 02, 2022, 06:39:06 PM
My issues with take out us that it seems to favor certain cuisines... clearly Chinese, pizza, pasta but a burger and fries or fish and chips just doesn't fit take out or delivery. I hate cold food...
Amen
^ We get burgers and fries from the Loop as takeout and don't have any issues. Have done places like J Alexanders and Ruth's Chris with more upscale fare and all good. Have gotten cheesesteaks from Charleys and also good. From restaurant to table... no time wasted... so maybe that helps. Always have the microwave in a pinch :).
Salads and Middle Eastern dishes are pretty safe too. If you are willing to settle for sandwiches, well, the world is your oyster.
I have developed what I jokingly refer to as my Covid Cookbook of recipes I tried during the pandemic... I love to cook so experimentation was the norm. Bought an Insta pot and a bit intimidated at first have grown to be more comfortable with it.... last night made a shrimp rissoto with it... mmmmmmm....
Still looking for some decent new sit down restaurants...
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 02, 2022, 06:39:06 PM
a burger and fries or fish and chips just doesn't fit take out or delivery. I hate cold food...
I get take out from the Loop in San Marco or Olive Tree and pop the box open as I drive home like Jeff Gordon. Keeps the steam from making the fries soft, but not enough time elapses for everything to cool down. Dining in is food as it's intended to be eaten, but unless we're out on a date I prefer to eat at home these days. Worst case scenario I pop the fries into the toaster over to crisp them back up if they get soft.
We went to Bonefish last week and had a great meal but I can say I have cooked alot more at home which is more enjoyable than eating out.
So what does everyone do if the order arrives or you get home and it's wrong... at least in the restaurant I can send it back. I imagine with the hiring issues as they are orders get wrong quite often...
Quote from: BridgeTroll on February 03, 2022, 11:23:51 AM
So what does everyone do if the order arrives or you get home and it's wrong... at least in the restaurant I can send it back. I imagine with the hiring issues as they are orders get wrong quite often...
Just ran into this at lunch. Got the wrong sandwich and one cheaper than what I ordered. It was still good but I'll ask for the difference off next time I go in.
I'll also tell you what... Loop burger and fries to go would be a hard no. I'd rather not easy than deal with a lukewarm burger and soggy fries.
Plenty of money but for a number of reasons, well, yes.......don't eat out much at all anymore.
Eating out is largely a diversion.