Restaurants are popping up everywhere. Fast food, casual dining, steakhouses, sushi bars, you name it. I’d say this is mostly because more and more people are going out to eat, more and more often (supply and demand at its simplest). Naturally, I have a few thoughts on this.
There are those that don’t know how to cook. Other’s claim they’re too busy, so they must “grab a quick bite”. For many, it satisfies their need to show off their social status. Still others just don’t know what to do with themselves. I don’t really sympathize with any of these.
It’s no secret that eating out typically costs more than eating in. Aside from the food itself, you’ve got to at least be civil and leave a tip. Plus, why do you buy desert. Because it’s there. You’ll buy extras that you wouldn’t normally just because it’s there (plus you don’t want to seem cheap to those you’re with right?).
As I see it, people go out to eat a lot because they don’t know what else to do with themselves. I’m not condemning the practice by any means. I enjoy eating a good meal that I didn’t have to prepare and is probably above my skill level in the kitchen, but does it have to be so often? Every friday and saturday night we sit around and wonder what we’re going to do, and because we lack creativity, we default to the usual question: “Where should we go to eat?”
Take this for what it’s worth. Hopefully you’ll at least think about what you do and why. And here’s a hint:
Look on-line or in the paper and find 5 things that going on that you’d normally never do. Maybe it’s an art or history museum; possibly it’s a rock concert. Go to the parade this year instead of watching it on TV. Find out about your city. They probably have a lot to do for free anyway. Who knows? you might learn something or broaden your horizons. Wouldn’t that be horrible?
Here’s another tip though. If you simply must go out to eat, check out this website, www.restaurant.com. You can buy gift certificates for a fraction of the price, and you can check out a few new places that you’ve never been or normally wouldn’t go. Getting it yet?
Good, now save some money and experience a few new things.
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by The Hojnackes, on March 21 2007 @ 5:23 pm
We don’t go out to eat all that often, maybe once a month.
We have some friends who eat out 3 times a day most of the time. They are both overweight. The husband just had bariatric surgery. Two days later, they went out to eat for breakfast at IHOP. His wife had pancakes and he had about 2 Tablespoons of cottage cheese. They both cried. I just don’t see how eating out can be that great. Its fun once in a while, but not all the time.
by Zachary, on April 15 2007 @ 2:42 am
I went out far too much this weekend already. A friend of mine was visiting from out of town today, so we ate Mexican for lunch, pub fare for dinner, and bought cigars. An expensive weekend, but definitely worthwhile to run around with a good friend.
by Ange1ash, on November 16 2007 @ 12:02 am
My largest issue with eating out compared to in is that my husband and I can never agree on what to eat. Therefore, eating out is an easy comprimise. I can get a salad or grilled chicken and he can get a double cheese 1/2 pound burger and fries. (and of course he’s a bean pole)
This theroy isn’t good for the pocketbook but maybe good for the marriage…
by limeade, on November 16 2007 @ 7:40 am
That’s an interesting take on the subject. I hadn’t really thought about that angle.
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