As I said in a previous blog, there are only two things I don't like doing alone: 1) having sex and 2) eating out--I have never done the first (don't ask!
), at least since I was twelve, but I have done the second, a few times, especially while traveling.
Don't get me wrong--I really enjoy cooking and, when I had a lover, use to love giving dinner parties and/or have open houses 2-3 times a year serving all kinds of food buffet style BUT, to me eating out in a restaurant with friends is a joy.
I go to familiar restaurants for certain items such as IHOP for a cheese omelet with pancakes or Old Florida Seafood House for fresh seafood or Catfish Dewey's for all you can eat of sweet tasting catfish, large boiled shrimp and fried clams. Name a certain type of food and I'll give you the name of a restaurant catering to that kind of meal.
I, also, enjoy discovering new restaurants and trying new items. Luckily (or not) I live in South Florida where you can eat in a different restaurant everyday and at the end of the year not come even close to hitting all of them. More restaurants open and close here in South Florida than any other section of the USA. It seems if a person can boil a pot of water they think they can open, and successfully run, a restaurant. Having been in the business for over 30 years I know that is far from the truth.
Over the years I have worked, and/or eaten, in some very fine restaurants (not necessarily expensive) that have gone bust for various reasons but the main reason seemed to have been poor management. By dining in a restaurant I can usually tell whether it will be around 2 or 3 years from now. By observing the service, hands on (or not) management, the taste and presentation of the food, the ambiance and all the little things that are done, or not done, with the customer in mind.
I have eaten fabulous meals in little hole in the wall joints and I have had really bad meals in 5 star restaurants--I have also worked in both types, and, believe it or not had more good meals and made more money in the former than the latter. (As an aside--the tipping out process in more expensive restaurants usually leave the server earning less money proportionately.)
Having been a server my main point of view in a restaurant is the service, which can ruin a very expensive and good dinner or elevate a cheap, hash house into a gem of a dining experience. I am very forgiving when it comes to mistakes made by servers and I know what is their fault and what is the fault of the restaurant.
I have also found out that the more I eat out (except in buffet style restaurants!!) the better I can control my weight. Most restaurants are portion controlled and if you stick to what you order and know how to order you won't go overboard.
I love having out of town company and/or meeting new people because I know case I will be sharing my favorite restaurants with them or discovering/trying to new ones.
Want to go out for Italian food? German? French? Comfort? Latin? Mexican? Cuban? Diner? Burgers? Breakfast? Buffet? Brunch? Vegan? Chinese? Thai? Japanese? You name it and I'll go with you--either to a place of your choice or one I particularly like.
You can always count on me if you want to eat out and would like company!!
), at least since I was twelve, but I have done the second, a few times, especially while traveling.Don't get me wrong--I really enjoy cooking and, when I had a lover, use to love giving dinner parties and/or have open houses 2-3 times a year serving all kinds of food buffet style BUT, to me eating out in a restaurant with friends is a joy.
I go to familiar restaurants for certain items such as IHOP for a cheese omelet with pancakes or Old Florida Seafood House for fresh seafood or Catfish Dewey's for all you can eat of sweet tasting catfish, large boiled shrimp and fried clams. Name a certain type of food and I'll give you the name of a restaurant catering to that kind of meal.
I, also, enjoy discovering new restaurants and trying new items. Luckily (or not) I live in South Florida where you can eat in a different restaurant everyday and at the end of the year not come even close to hitting all of them. More restaurants open and close here in South Florida than any other section of the USA. It seems if a person can boil a pot of water they think they can open, and successfully run, a restaurant. Having been in the business for over 30 years I know that is far from the truth.
Over the years I have worked, and/or eaten, in some very fine restaurants (not necessarily expensive) that have gone bust for various reasons but the main reason seemed to have been poor management. By dining in a restaurant I can usually tell whether it will be around 2 or 3 years from now. By observing the service, hands on (or not) management, the taste and presentation of the food, the ambiance and all the little things that are done, or not done, with the customer in mind.
I have eaten fabulous meals in little hole in the wall joints and I have had really bad meals in 5 star restaurants--I have also worked in both types, and, believe it or not had more good meals and made more money in the former than the latter. (As an aside--the tipping out process in more expensive restaurants usually leave the server earning less money proportionately.)
Having been a server my main point of view in a restaurant is the service, which can ruin a very expensive and good dinner or elevate a cheap, hash house into a gem of a dining experience. I am very forgiving when it comes to mistakes made by servers and I know what is their fault and what is the fault of the restaurant.
I have also found out that the more I eat out (except in buffet style restaurants!!) the better I can control my weight. Most restaurants are portion controlled and if you stick to what you order and know how to order you won't go overboard.
I love having out of town company and/or meeting new people because I know case I will be sharing my favorite restaurants with them or discovering/trying to new ones.
Want to go out for Italian food? German? French? Comfort? Latin? Mexican? Cuban? Diner? Burgers? Breakfast? Buffet? Brunch? Vegan? Chinese? Thai? Japanese? You name it and I'll go with you--either to a place of your choice or one I particularly like.
You can always count on me if you want to eat out and would like company!!
6 comments on I LOVE to eat out!
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I don't mind eating alone because I just read my book in that condition.
AJ