Friday, January 19, 2024

Inquiring Minds

 


.... want to know!


Do y'all enjoy eating out?   Besides $$$ ... what sorts of things factor into deciding where to go?

Honestly at this time in our lives, that's pretty much the highlight.  See, I envy those couples who enjoy the same meal about the same time of day.   My stomach normally starts letting me know it needs fed about 10 or 11 -- and unless there's some place we have to be, Tom's still asleep.   His repasts usually occur in the late night or o-dark-thirty hours.



We compromise by going out to eat usually once a week.
We actually talk to one another without someone checking his/her phone or the TV.  

Gotta admit, Tom's more easy-going than me.  I don't care so much about high-end places, but I probably place too much importance on things like service and atmosphere.


For instance.
Yesterday we played the "I don't know, where do you want to go?" game.  I can usually be counted on to retort, "As long as it's not Waffle House."   Then Tom surprised me by saying he wasn't in the mood for Mexican (whaaaat?) or Olive Garden.


We decided our mutual favorite, LongHorn, was a little pricy -- so in spite of a new spot's iffy reviews, our curiosity won out.   We wound up at (that) American grill/sports bar that checked all most of my boxes.   Tom's bacon burger (medium rare, as requested) and onion rings were pronounced 'delicious', and my caprese pizza shooed away any carb-guilt.  

Obviously, we had no little people along, but these (children's) menu entrees cracked me up.   



Best of all, our server.  Personality plus! M. listened carefully and was attentive without hovering.  (Know what I mean?)

Those unfamiliar with the Deep South might not understand, but I love it when a server -- no matter her age -- calls us "Baby" or "Honey"
... without a trace of sarcasm.



What sorts of things are most important to you?


This invitation to "Unleash your Inner Carnivore"!
They must have known I was coming!




Oops ... it's about that time.
I'm going to have the same thing I had day before yesterday ... and the day before that. 

Green leaf lettuce w/ loose meat, Roma tomato, walnuts -- tossed in garlic basil olive oil w/ a spoonful of Marie's bleu cheese for good measure.





Happy Friday!

Hugs, Myra








41 comments:

  1. One of my grandson's loves to to the Road House Restaurant because he loves their dinner rolls. If I go out I like to get seafood which I love, and my favorite restaurant is Red Lobster. Next preference would be a barbecue place that is close by. Everything I ate there was delicious! I don't go out to eat very often and when I do, it's usually for a special event, like my birthday or that of someone else in the family. I went to lunch this week at Cracker Barrel and it was truly good country food.
    I had their southern fried steak, pinto beans and fried apples. Yum! What ever you eat today, make it something you enjoy! Love, ma

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    1. Yes, It's hard to beat Cracker Barrel's fare! Tonight entree at Casa Guca will be an indulgent bowl of hot buttered popcorn.

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  2. Your comment about the Deep South's Baby and Honey reminds me of a time we were in New York. At the time my dad (who had always lived in the deep south) was in his late 70's and we were ordering. he asked the waitress "What do you recommend , Sugar?" For him there was no connotation, other than he did not know her name. As for her, she looked like he has just spewed steaming acid all over her.

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    1. Oh my goodness! That lady needs an attitude transplant.

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  3. You're so lucky to have nice places to go out to for a meal. I don't like eating out, but do so when my wife locks me out and I eat a sandwich in the garage, or shed, or garden. The service is terrible!

    I enjoyed your answers, Mevely. It's good to be happy; and this post added to my happiness.

    God bless.

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    1. Food that someone else prepares always makes me happy!

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  4. I like that you go out about once a week. Yes, if we go out we are not on our phones. Glad you enjoyed your meal. That is cute about the kids menu. You lettuce dish looks yummy. We used to go out often and since the pandemic we just haven't gotten into it that much. We have been going out more recently with Adam, Gabby and James. Tomorrow we are going to a Fogo De Chao to celebrate Adam's 45th birthday.

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    1. That the Brazilian steakhouse, right? Someplace I always wanted to go, but never got around to it.

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  5. Bob refuses to eat in a resturant other than Hungry Howies Pizza buffett or Golden Corral Buffet. he doesn't like to eat anywhere that a waitress takes the order. I am ok with the buffet because i only eat out to keep from cooking. now I call out for pizza. he can't hear a word i say in a resturant, so we sit there and stuff our faces and I people watch and listen to others talking. we met Jackie and her hubby once in Golden C. and he was upset for days because I sat at their table. I do admit i am not into dining. I just go for the food and am happy no matter where it is as long as they have something i can eat. I do not like DINING OUT, as in fancy pancy places. i can't enjoy my meal if it cost a ton of money. cheap to the bone, that is me.
    We don't do the I don't know where do you want to go, we do the if you want to go, we wil, I don't care. that is his answer to Do you want to go to GC to eat. since i buy food and cook it, of course he doesn't care. yesterday i went to Publix and got him a sub and me half a cuban sub. with a bag of chips. All I want is to not have to cook.

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    1. Agree, prices today can really diminish my choices, my enjoyment. Everyone says Publix makes the best subs; I'll have to try one sometime (minus the bread).

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  6. That children's menu cracked me up, Myra! Do y'all have a Cracker Barrel nearby? That's never a disappointment, and it's reasonably priced for that once in a while eatery. And you can always get your fill of "honey" and "sugar!"
    Blessings!

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    1. Yes, there's a CB only a few minutes by car. I love their breakfasts -- my favorite meal of the day. We've not been in several months, however, because there's always a wait.

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  7. I would be a little pickier, but most of the time it comes down to where we can go after work that doesn't require Tim to shower and change clothes to go. If he's got to do all that, it ain't happening. Luckily there's a local place with homestyle cooking we like that he can go to as is. Their prices have gotten a bit on the high side for a neighborhood place, but it's close and it's good.

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  8. We eat out several times a week some weeks. But lately we've been eating at home a little more often. We quite often go through a drive through and then park somewhere and eat in the car when we just want something quick. Nicer sit-down restaurants (such as Olive Garden or Red Lobster) only happen about once a week or so.

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    1. Once the weather warms, I need to suggest that!

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  9. I love when the waiters or waitresses say honey and aren't afraid of you. Down to earth. I also like going out to eat. I have my usuals here at home - but try to vary it.

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    1. I love 'down to earth' ... with a side of humor!

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  10. I am full-fledged southern and I hate to be called baby, sugar or honey or hun. I find it very condescending coming from someone 1/3 my age. I once called a waitress out on it after about the tenth “baby”. Not sure why there is any need for that designation.

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    1. How do you prefer to be addressed?

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    2. How about, “Good morning. Can I take your order?” “Thanks. Your order will be right out.” “Thanks for coming. Y’all have a great day.” People speak to me quite often without using condescending forms of address.

      Sometimes they say things like, “I love your hair. How do you get it that color?”

      No need to offend using forms of inappropriate address.

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  11. Very seldom do we have meals outside of home. It's not simply the price it's because it's too difficult to stay away from carb's.
    Being a carnivore too Long Horn Steaks on the coast in Brunswick, Georgia (Gawga for dem Yankee's - lol) is one of our fav's.
    The children's menu cracked me up! I like clever humor like that.
    I still call everyone younger than me, which is mostly everyone now, "Baby" or "Honey" or "Dawlin'". Nothing bad is meant by that either. It's meant with affection (the right kind).
    Blessings Dawlin'. xx

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    1. Yes! Breakfasts are my favorite and usually easiest to comply with Keto. Less expensive, too.

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  12. I eat out quite often with my daughter. We use any excuse to have lunch. I personally do not care for fast food places and like some atmosphere but any place that has great food is a winner for me.

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  13. I'm afraid we haven't eaten out in years. Golden Corral used to be our favorite because I like to walk around and get my own food.

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  14. Oh Pam, I love a good greasy spoon. There were a few in West Texas I still miss.
    Happy Weekend blessings!

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  15. WE eat out less, I used to eat out as often as possible, but now once a week is good. We went to Outback for my BD, Looking at the menu I was shocked at the increase in prices. Then I noticed the lunch menu and it was definitely reasonable and we were still way under the time limit.
    The food was very good and we had a good time. I seldom disagree with you, but I do enjoy a pecan waffle at the waffle house every once in awhile.
    Enjoyed the visit we are getting back to halfway normal, but still away to go......

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    1. Tom grills the best steaks, but I do miss the Outback blooming onion! My only problem with Waffle House is feeling rushed to eat so others can be seated. I miss leisurely dining.

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  16. We try to go to one new restaurant once a month but most of the time we end up getting Taco Bell. LoL we're easy.

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  17. We usually eat out on Saturday night, and have so many non-chain restaurants around us that it's hard to decide where to go. One of us will come up with a list of three and the other one makes the final decision.

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  18. I'm usually ready for any place to eat out with friends. That children's menu is hilarious!! Wishing you a blessed weekend, dear friend!! xo

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    1. I believe food always tastes better when enjoyed with friends!

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  19. Ha on that children's menu, lol. Wishing you a beautiful day friend.

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    1. That "I don't know, where do you want to go?" game is one we have played quite often as well. I definitely tire of that one. Who usually wins or is there a winner? ha-ha

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  20. We try to cook more times a week then we use to. Everything everywhere is so expensive. But Hannah always reminds me how much better cooking for yourself is then eating out. So we do try. I outlined the Casa Bonita $46 a plate night we had. Oh gracious, I guess if I had money to burn like those South Park dudes I would not care but nope ...was not worth even $20 as their portions are so tiny I am grateful I do not eat as much as I once did and shared my plate with my sweet husband, my grandson and Harry a/k/a Harrison James. Poor boys were still hungry. Grown men do not eat like a tiny toddler. But seeing the liquor flowing made me realize they prefer adults over kids. Sad world, kid entertainment is now high on the list of adults. Whatever.....Goodness I Miss Sharon my BFF at these times. She would say this plate of food is unacceptable. Only place I have been where homeless people were not panhandling. Lord everyone leaving had empty pockets from CB. My son-in-law Roger was a walking how to find a cheap meal that will fill you up and not cost more then $5. He was a master at it during lunch time. Goodness how I miss him too....

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