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Our BetterMost Community => The Polling Place => Topic started by: Kerry on January 10, 2009, 11:36:05 pm

Title: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 10, 2009, 11:36:05 pm

Dining Out
Pleasurable or Painful?


(http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o126/kez4oz/329.jpg)

Take the poll and tell us what your pet peeves about dining out are.

It's not so much poor food as hovering waiters, meager servings and sneaky surcharges that are leaving diners with a bad taste.

A guide released by the British consumer watchdog found the top gripes of restaurant customers had more to do with the overall experience than the bill of fare.

The most common complaints were of restaurants that encouraged tipping when a surcharge had already been added to the bill, as was the addition of unstated cover and bread charges.

The UK Good Food Guide also found that serving scanty portions ensures a customer will not return.

And while open salt and pepper bowls are appearing on the tables of fashionable British restaurants, they are a turn off.

"They may be in fashion but not knowing whose fingers have been in there already puts off customers,'' the guide says.

Sydney diner Greg Duncan, 29, eats out three times a week. He disliked "greedy restaurants that attempt to fit in two sittings per meal''.

"There is nothing more frustrating than turning up for your 8pm booking and having to wait half an hour for your table,'' he said.

"But my biggest general complaint about Sydney restaurants is paying $110 for a bottle of red that I know I can pick up for $30 at the local liquor shop,'' he said.

Mr Duncan said while giving a 10 per cent tip was standard, waiters shouldn't expect to get one if they were rude or incompetent.

A spokesman for Choice magazine, Christopher Zinn, said the standard of restaurants was generally high in Australia but it was important for owners not to rest on their laurels.

"Like any other business a lot depends on word of mouth,'' he said.

"That can make or break a restaurant.'

Elizabeth Carter, editor of The UK Good Food Guide, said dining out could be memorable for all the wrong reasons.

"Restaurateurs looking to raise their game this year could do a lot worse than listen to their customers' pet hates,'' she said.

"They're often simple mistakes that can be rectified.''


Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 11, 2009, 12:24:24 am
Around here the problem isn't small portions. The portions are much too large. I always have to ask for a doggie bag and I end up bringing half of my dinner home with me. I suppose that really isn't a problem, but it mystifies me why they want to serve such massive amounts of food. :-\

Hoovering waiters can be annoying too, unless they are cute... and single! ;)

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 11, 2009, 01:00:04 am
In Sydney, the really expensive restaurants serve a tiny amount of beautifully presented food, artistically structured like a miniature Tower of Babel, in the centre of a huge, white, bone china dinner plate. Not that I make a habit of eating at such places on my budget, but the last time I dined up-market (it was a special occasion), I literally ate the entire meal in approx 3 bites. And I'm still paying off the bill in monthly installments (Joke!). I'm lucky where I live, in the centre of Sydney's thriving cafe society. I'm only a walk away from Little Italy (though, come to think of it, that's where I got that posh, ultra-expensive, teeny-weeny meal) and the western annex of Sydney's gay ghetto, where there are lots of reasonably priced restaurants and cafes. I'm a creature of habit and usually gravitate to the same couple of places whenever I dine out (I prefer to do lunch, rather than dining out at night). Prices are under $20 and the portions are a good size; though, not so big as to need a doggy bag.  :D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 11, 2009, 01:28:02 am
We have some of those restaurants around here too Kerry. Most of them are either located downtown or in the more ritzy areas of Indy such as Carmel, Zionsville and Broad Ripple. But I know what you mean about the "three bites and it's gone" deal.

Since Indianapolis is a Midwestern city, meat and potatoes tend to be the most popular types of fare around here and restaurants in this area often serve landlubber dishes, or surf and turf. We have lots of very high class steak restaurants, although there are other types of restaurants too. But the size of those steaks are unbelievable. I can't finish something that big!

I was watching a show on the Travel Channel called "Man vs Food" and Adam (the star of the show) sat down and ate a 72 oz steak, along with a baked potato, rolls and a salad in 29 minutes. I'll never understand how he did it. I have a difficult time finishing a 12 oz steak! :P

Adam is quite cute btw! :D



Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ZK on January 11, 2009, 02:57:55 am
My biggest grumble is lunch cafes that charge for water. I went to a sushi stand at a mall not so long ago with my daughter and we spent $20 on sushi and I asked for a glass of water for my daughter. That was fine they provided the water but wanted to charge me for a single glass of water. Hummpph water is free over here, aside from the washing of the glass there is no outlay for the restaurant.  I grumbled to the girl and we won't go back there
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Front-Ranger on January 11, 2009, 03:08:38 am
My friend Adam can easily finish a 12 oz steak and then polish off the rest of my meal as well!!  ;D

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 11, 2009, 03:32:41 am
My biggest grumble is lunch cafes that charge for water. I went to a sushi stand at a mall not so long ago with my daughter and we spent $20 on sushi and I asked for a glass of water for my daughter. That was fine they provided the water but wanted to charge me for a single glass of water. Hummpph water is free over here, aside from the washing of the glass there is no outlay for the restaurant.  I grumbled to the girl and we won't go back there

It's free over here too Matt. Lord have mercy, over here they continue to fill our water glasses until our teeth float. And it's all free! I can't even imagine being charged for a glass of ice water. That is unheard of where I live. People would balk at the very idea.

I'm so glad you spend so much time with your daughter. And one of these days I will try sushi. I don't like fish, but Amanda, Lee and you have ALMOST talked me into it. :)

Kerry? Have you tried sushi? How did you like it?
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: jstephens9 on January 11, 2009, 03:35:16 am
My friend Adam can easily finish a 12 oz steak and then polish off the rest of my meal as well!!  ;D



I do not doubt that at all Lee from knowing Adam and yet he stays slim as a rail.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 11, 2009, 03:35:51 am
My friend Adam can easily finish a 12 oz steak and then polish off the rest of my meal as well!!  ;D



:laugh:

I wonder if they are one and the same Lee?!

They have the same appetite at least, don't they?

Adam on the Travel Channel is a bit pudgy, but he looks very cuddly and huggable... like a teddy bear. I'd go for him. He has a cute personality too, which is very important.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 11, 2009, 07:50:41 am

Kerry? Have you tried sushi? How did you like it?


I don't mind fish, David, but I'm not a big fish eater. I particularly can't stand the smell of fish. Ooey-pooey! If I'm eating fish, it must be a non-fishy smelling, white-meat fish like Bream, Blue-Eyed Cod, John Dory or Swordfish. They're all non-stinky. I'm allergic to prawns so can't eat them. And I wouldn't want to, even if I could. They look and smell disgusting. I call them "cockroaches of the sea." I've tried eating oysters and muscles but just can't get into them. I resent paying big money for something that looks like someone's blown their nose in a seashell and put it on a bed of lettuce for me to eat.

Which brings me to Sushi. It's considered very trendy to be into Sushi here in Sydney. All the trendoids rave about Sushi. But let's call a spade a spade. It's raw meat. And what's worse, it's raw fish meat. Yetch! Having said that, however, I was swayed by some Sushi-loving friends some time ago, who sang the praises of a certain Sushi restaurant they knew, and convinced me to accompany them. So we went along to this very nice, up-market Sushi place (I couldn't believe the prices they were charging for raw fish!) and decided to give it a go. Part of the entertainment at this restaurant was watching one of the chefs prepare the Sushi. He was very entertaining to watch. He put on quite a show. But I didn't like what I saw. He was an elderly Japanese man, with none too clean hands and finger nails, who was not wearing rubber gloves! Ugh! The more I watched him, the more I wanted to barf! Needless to say, I convinced my friends to eat elsewhere.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: underdown on January 11, 2009, 08:43:29 am
Actually, I could say more in a poll about the positive experiences of dining out.

In my experience, small portions and crowding are very common.
The overall experience in most Sydney restaurants, however, has been excellent.
We have some of the best food available in the world, and the waiters/waitresses are usually pretty good.
 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kelda on January 11, 2009, 11:25:26 am
Tables together. If I'm out at a restaurant I want to enjoy spending time with whoeverI'm with and be able to alk freely. And I don want to hear what he other table is talking about either!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 11, 2009, 12:15:45 pm
I chose over-attentive servers, tables too close together, and rude staff.

I dine out way too often, because that's just part of living alone and the walls close in if I spend too much time at home.  So, if I'm alone, I usually have a book with me, and the over-attentive staff get annoying.  I served during school, so I appreciate that table turnover is a factor in earnings and I tip to compensate for that, particularly if a restaurant is busy.

The tables too close together is annoying not just from the conversation point of view when you're dining with friends, but also it feels awkward and rude to negotiate yourself into your seat (and out again, maybe more than once) when it's crowded.

Rude staff I don't have much sympathy for...busy, harried staff OK - as I said, I've been there, but rudeness makes no sense when one's earnings are pretty directly dependent on a customer's goodwill and generosity.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: southendmd on January 11, 2009, 12:22:10 pm
Kerry, you naughty boy, your description of an oyster gave me a fit of apoplexy!  (I happen to love oysters, ahem.  Excuse me, I have to blow my nose.  There, that's better.)


In the US, a service charge is only tacked on if it's a large party, and it's usually pretty clear when that happens.  I've never heard of charge for water, and there's no bread and cover charge. 

It's inattentive service that bugs me.  I expect to be greeted (with water, perhaps) and asked for my drink order as soon as I am seated.  I'm not too fond of the "My name is Jason and I'll be your server" routine, but I don't much care if Jason gets the job done. 

If there's bad service, I won't go back to a restaurant.  I was at one place known for its wine.  The wine I ordered was unavailable; many, many minutes later, I was told the second wine I ordered was unavailable.  And I was led to believe it was my fault!  "You seem to order all the ones we don't have!" Jason said.  Gee, Jason, how come you don't know what's available?  And why does it take twenty minutes to find out?  "Do you have this one?" I growled, pointing at a third.  When it arrived, the meal was half over.  I haven't been back.

Here in Boston, the restaurant scene is very competitive, so it pays to have good service. 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 11, 2009, 12:26:26 pm
It's inattentive service that bugs me.  I expect to be greeted (with water, perhaps) and asked for my drink order as soon as I am seated.  I'm not too fond of the "My name is Jason and I'll be your server" routine, but I don't much care if Jason gets the job done. 

Have you noticed this tendency for the server to seat him/herself across from you to take your order?  After they've introduced themselves, naturally.  Maybe I'm being snobby, but this seems overly familiar.  Though in sympathy, you know their feet hurt, but it's not enough of a break to make a difference.  Plus, in my day, I would have been fired! 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: southendmd on January 11, 2009, 12:34:08 pm
Have you noticed this tendency for the server to seat him/herself across from you to take your order?  After they've introduced themselves, naturally.  Maybe I'm being snobby, but this seems overly familiar.  Though in sympathy, you know their feet hurt, but it's not enough of a break to make a difference.  Plus, in my day, I would have been fired! 

Lynne, you're far from snobby!  No, I've never encountered this.  Yes, that's way overly familiar.  If that happened to me, I'd probably ask, "Oh, are you joining us?  How lovely!" 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 11, 2009, 12:37:36 pm
Lynne, you're far from snobby!  No, I've never encountered this.  Yes, that's way overly familiar.  If that happened to me, I'd probably ask, "Oh, are you joining us?  How lovely!" 

 :laugh: :laugh:

I've noticed it at chains like O'Charleys, Longhorn, Applebee's, etc...I think it only happens to single diners.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: jstephens9 on January 11, 2009, 01:12:35 pm
Around here the problem isn't small portions. The portions are much too large. I always have to ask for a doggie bag and I end up bringing half of my dinner home with me. I suppose that really isn't a problem, but it mystifies me why they want to serve such massive amounts of food. :-\

Hoovering waiters can be annoying too, unless they are cute... and single! ;)



I agree David that the portions are much too large, but it is true that you can also end up with two meals. I don't understand why they do serve such massive amounts of food, but of course I would be mad if they were small portions. What I always find that is funny that places like Applebees, Chili's, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, etc., etc. are so down on the fast food places when in reality because of the big portions of food it seems that eating everything on your plate at those places would result in more weight gain than that cheeseburger at McDonalds, Burger King, etc. At one point in time I was going out to lunch pretty much every day with a group from work. We would go to the places like Applebees, etc. and I definitely gained weight. The portions were huge. I quit doing that a few years ago. It saved me a lot of money too since that was a good $12 a day or more for lunch usually.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: jstephens9 on January 11, 2009, 01:15:41 pm
:laugh:

I wonder if they are one and the same Lee?!

They have the same appetite at least, don't they?

Adam on the Travel Channel is a bit pudgy, but he looks very cuddly and huggable... like a teddy bear. I'd go for him. He has a cute personality too, which is very important.

Different Adam David. The Adam Lee is talking about is definitely not pudgy.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: jstephens9 on January 11, 2009, 01:20:39 pm
We have some of those restaurants around here too Kerry. Most of them are either located downtown or in the more ritzy areas of Indy such as Carmel, Zionsville and Broad Ripple. But I know what you mean about the "three bites and it's gone" deal.

Since Indianapolis is a Midwestern city, meat and potatoes tend to be the most popular types of fare around here and restaurants in this area often serve landlubber dishes, or surf and turf. We have lots of very high class steak restaurants, although there are other types of restaurants too. But the size of those steaks are unbelievable. I can't finish something that big!

I was watching a show on the Travel Channel called "Man vs Food" and Adam (the star of the show) sat down and ate a 72 oz steak, along with a baked potato, rolls and a salad in 29 minutes. I'll never understand how he did it. I have a difficult time finishing a 12 oz steak! :P

Adam is quite cute btw! :D





I like those shows on the Travel channel where they show different restaurants in different cities that specialize and are famous for something. I saw one last week about famous Cheeseburger places. I love Cheeseburgers by the way. When I was in Los Angeles I ate at the place that created the French Dip sandwich and the strange thing is that the dip is actually in the sandwich. You don't dip the sandwich. It is a very old place and it was very good. I ate at a famous cafeteria there too and the food was absolutely great. It's kind of funny that LA gets such a bad rap from many people when I found it to be a very interesting and historical city.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: optom3 on January 11, 2009, 01:28:23 pm
Around here the problem isn't small portions. The portions are much too large. I always have to ask for a doggie bag and I end up bringing half of my dinner home with me. I suppose that really isn't a problem, but it mystifies me why they want to serve such massive amounts of food. :-\

Hoovering waiters can be annoying too, unless they are cute... and single! ;)



Ditto !
When we first arrived in America, I was astounded at the portion size. I was full after the bread basket and salad had been handed out. I also did not get the doggy bag concept.
Now we never have appetizers, or dessert, just the main course.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: LauraGigs on January 11, 2009, 04:25:40 pm
I agree David that the portions are much too large, but it is true that you can also end up with two meals.
 At one point in time I was going out to lunch pretty much every day with a group from work . . . The portions were huge. I quit doing that a few years ago. It saved me a lot of money too since that was a good $12 a day or more for lunch usually.

Two meals is the key phrase!  I don't go out often, but I love the "doggie bag concept".  You have a whole 'nother meal, all cooked and figured out.  I love it!!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: jstephens9 on January 11, 2009, 05:00:45 pm
Speaking of large serving sizes, The Travel Channel just showed a place named Denny's (no not the breakfast restaurant) that serves a 15 pound cheeseburger!!!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kelda on January 11, 2009, 05:15:47 pm
that must be american. You dont really do doggy bags in the UK.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: delalluvia on January 11, 2009, 05:25:11 pm
I voted 'other'.

I don't really have big problems - unless I spot signs that things are none too clean  :P

But the only thing I dislike is that if you're a single diner and you go out to eat, you run headon into the capitalist system at its ugliest.  In the U.S. waiters make a lot of their money on tips, which means the more they turn over a table the better.  I want to go out to eat and sit at my table for an hour enjoying a leisurely meal.  I'm paying for it, I tip well, why am I being rushed out the door?  Why am I looked down on because I didn't take a seat at the bar and leave the tables for real diners?  >:(

I've had people in restaurants yell insults to me for doing this.  WTF?!?!?
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 11, 2009, 06:11:36 pm

But the only thing I dislike is that if you're a single diner and you go out to eat, you run headon into the capitalist system at its ugliest.  In the U.S. waiters make a lot of their money on tips, which means the more they turn over a table the better. 


That's happened to me too, and I wasn't even dining alone.

I'd gone with a work colleague to an unfamiliar (snooty) part of town to buy a farewell gift for a fellow workmate. The departee collected a particular brand of porcelain and we'd gone to a specialty outlet to choose a gift for her. But I digress. We thought we'd make an outing of it so dropped into a little place for coffee. We took one of the tables under an umbrella on the pavement and ordered two coffees from the waiter. The waiter gave us a quizzical look and suggested we try some place else, because they didn't serve just coffee alone. She wasn't rude about it, but very definite about us having to order food with our coffee if we wanted to stay.This place looked more like a cafe than a restaurant, with tables on the pavement. Coffee was on the menu. We had come from work and were dressed in business clothes so didn't look like a couple of hobos.  It was a first for me. I was literally speechless. And embarrassed. We just skulked off and vowed never to return. Afterwards, you think about all the bitchy things you should said to the waiter, but at the time we were both so mortified, we just wanted to get out of there. Needless to say, we've not been back.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 11, 2009, 07:44:59 pm
I voted 'other'.

I don't really have big problems - unless I spot signs that things are none too clean  :P

But the only thing I dislike is that if you're a single diner and you go out to eat, you run headon into the capitalist system at its ugliest.  In the U.S. waiters make a lot of their money on tips, which means the more they turn over a table the better.  I want to go out to eat and sit at my table for an hour enjoying a leisurely meal.  I'm paying for it, I tip well, why am I being rushed out the door?  Why am I looked down on because I didn't take a seat at the bar and leave the tables for real diners?  >:(

I've had people in restaurants yell insults to me for doing this.  WTF?!?!?

Never been yelled at, but yes I can sometimes definitely sense the disapproval.  Most of the time I don't mind sitting in the bar (or sometimes I go at odd hours, like early dinner on weekends)...whatever it takes so I can read in peace.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: delalluvia on January 11, 2009, 08:19:16 pm
Never been yelled at, but yes I can sometimes definitely sense the disapproval.  Most of the time I don't mind sitting in the bar (or sometimes I go at odd hours, like early dinner on weekends)...whatever it takes so I can read in peace.

The only problem I have sitting at the bar is that

1) smokers sit at the bar.  I don't smoke and don't like the smell when I'm trying to eat

2) I'm short.  The bar stool and bar are normally higher than I can comfortably sit and eat (I'm not reaching down for my food and drink, I'm practically reaching across)
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: delalluvia on January 11, 2009, 08:20:44 pm
That's happened to me too, and I wasn't even dining alone.

I'd gone with a work colleague to an unfamiliar (snooty) part of town to buy a farewell gift for a fellow workmate. The departee collected a particular brand of porcelain and we'd gone to a specialty outlet to choose a gift for her. But I digress. We thought we'd make an outing of it so dropped into a little place for coffee. We took one of the tables under an umbrella on the pavement and ordered two coffees from the waiter. The waiter gave us a quizzical look and suggested we try some place else, because they didn't serve just coffee alone. She wasn't rude about it, but very definite about us having to order food with our coffee if we wanted to stay.This place looked more like a cafe than a restaurant, with tables on the pavement. Coffee was on the menu. We had come from work and were dressed in business clothes so didn't look like a couple of hobos.  It was a first for me. I was literally speechless. And embarrassed. We just skulked off and vowed never to return. Afterwards, you think about all the bitchy things you should said to the waiter, but at the time we were both so mortified, we just wanted to get out of there. Needless to say, we've not been back.

I've been to those kind of places, too.  I usually look at the waiter/ess and say, "Oh OK, then bring me [bread, chips, etc -any appetizer that's cheap].  They do it grudgingly, but they get off my back about ordering food.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ZK on January 12, 2009, 02:01:24 am
that must be american. You dont really do doggy bags in the UK.

What no doggy bags?? We do it all the time here unless its a really exspensive restaurant. The ONLY thing I don't like about doggy bags is if the waiter leaves the bag and box for me to fill. Thats a bit too tacky for me.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 12, 2009, 02:12:13 am
What no doggy bags?? We do it all the time here unless its a really exspensive restaurant. The ONLY thing I don't like about doggy bags is if the waiter leaves the bag and box for me to fill. Thats a bit too tacky for me.

I almost always have to ask for a doggie bag. Or a box. Sometimes it is a box. A styrofoam box. A doggie box I guess. Restaurant portions around here are WAAAAY too large. It's such a waste. And I know if I don't ask for a doggie bag, (or box :-\  ) they will just throw it away and I can't tolerate something like that.

My Mom used to say "there are starving people in China" when I was young. That always stuck in my mind. Wasting food is a terrible thing. So, I take it back home and heat it up the next day for lunch... and give a little to Cody too. He always gets a little treat in his bowl later on! :D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 12, 2009, 02:38:38 am
The only problem I have sitting at the bar is that

1) smokers sit at the bar.  I don't smoke and don't like the smell when I'm trying to eat

2) I'm short.  The bar stool and bar are normally higher than I can comfortably sit and eat (I'm not reaching down for my food and drink, I'm practically reaching across)

I can relate; #1 is just about obsolete everywhere I've been in the past few years - many city ordinances have seen to it that places that serve food are now smoke-free.  Though I guess it's not nationwide yet.  I agree that I won't sit at the bar if it's smoking.

#2 is a problem I also have; it's like I've developed a second set of manners for bar food.   :-\

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 12, 2009, 02:40:45 am
What no doggy bags?? We do it all the time here unless its a really exspensive restaurant. The ONLY thing I don't like about doggy bags is if the waiter leaves the bag and box for me to fill. Thats a bit too tacky for me.

Yes, I'm all about the doggie bags too.  I've got mixed feelings about who does the preparation.  I don't mind preparing it myself.  Only higher end places prepare it for you, in my experience, so I guess I'm used to it.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 12, 2009, 02:53:43 am
Yes, I'm all about the doggie bags too.  I've got mixed feelings about who does the preparation.  I don't mind preparing it myself.  Only higher end places prepare it for you, in my experience, so I guess I'm used to it.

You mean you trust them with the cooking but you don't trust them to place your leftovers in a bag Lynne?

Good lord! The cooking part is the scariest part (in my opinion). Putting it into a bag is the least of MY worries! :laugh:

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 12, 2009, 02:58:59 am
You mean you trust them with the cooking but you don't trust them to place your leftovers in a bag Lynne?

Good lord! The cooking part is the scariest part (in my opinion). Putting it into a bag is the least of MY worries! :laugh:

No, it's not a matter of trust.  The whole process is an act of faith.  ;)

It's just can be awkward to do it yourself, but most places don't pack it for you, so I guess I don't expect it.

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 12, 2009, 03:03:44 am
No, it's not a matter of trust.  The whole process is an act of faith.  ;)

It's just can be awkward to do it yourself, but most places don't pack it for you, so I guess I don't expect it.



I know what you mean sweetie. I've seen some very disturbing videos on CNN, MSNBC, CourtTV and others. After seeing those videos it makes me want to never go out to a restaurant again. :P

But I don't want to bring THAT up just now. Needless to say, it's always wise to be nice... very nice to your waiter or waitress. :laugh:

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on January 12, 2009, 08:05:43 pm





       I love the concept of doggie bags.  We have a dog, and he gets very upset if we go out to eat, and dont bring him back a treat.  He is spoilt, what can I say?
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 12, 2009, 08:19:26 pm
       I love the concept of doggie bags.  We have a dog, and he gets very upset if we go out to eat, and dont bring him back a treat.  He is spoilt, what can I say?

In a nonpartisan nonpetison spirit, I want to add that back before my mom usurped custody of my kitties from me (the Boston era), I would always order Caesar salad with anchovies, then pack up the anchovies for Oberon & Titania.  They were wild for anchovies!  The folks at my regular haunts knew to do it for me without me even having to ask!

 ;) :laugh: :laugh:

In summary, a kittie bag is a viable option too!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: opinionista on January 12, 2009, 08:19:55 pm
that must be american. You dont really do doggy bags in the UK.

In Spain neither. Sometimes I do ask for a doggy bag especially when there are too much leftovers, and my friends think it is embarrassing. I'm like, why? We paid for the food, it ours!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 12, 2009, 10:22:15 pm
My Mom used to say "there are starving people in China" when I was young.


I have a friend who went to her grandmother's house for dinner.  Grandma made a meal that my friend didn't like, so she refused to eat it.  This exchange took place:

Gramma:  "You eat that meal!  There are millions of starving people in China that would love to have it!"

friend:  "Oh yeah?  Name three!"

She was made to leave the table, which is what she wanted in the first place.

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ZK on January 13, 2009, 05:24:39 am
I love it!!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

. If only I could have said that when I was growing up and faced with a plate of carrots and swede mashed together.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: southendmd on January 13, 2009, 10:15:27 am
I had to look up "swede":  in American, it's rutabaga.  Yum. 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ZK on January 13, 2009, 06:14:19 pm
I had to look up "swede":  in American, it's rutabaga.  Yum. 
I have never heard of it being called rutabaga before and you are welcome to have my portion  ;)

I started seeing a chef for a while late last year and I went to his place for dinner and he had prepared a dish made largely of rutabage. As he was serving it up, he asked if I like swede, *gulp* yep I replied with a slight tremor in my voice. I almost passed out during the meal  ;D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Front-Ranger on January 13, 2009, 06:26:02 pm
Maybe we should rename this thread Dining IN - Pleasurable or Painful? Why, didn't you know, Matt, that rutabaga is a legendary aphrodesiac? When you almost passed out, did the chef carry you to the bed and fanned/massaged you to revive you? Did he have to apply mouth to mouth resucitation? No, you don't have to answer...I'm just funning with you!!

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 13, 2009, 06:37:59 pm
Maybe we should rename this thread Dining IN - Pleasurable or Painful? Why, didn't you know, Matt, that rutabaga is a legendary aphrodesiac? When you almost passed out, did the chef carry you to the bed and fanned/massaged you to revive you? Did he have to apply mouth to mouth resucitation? No, you don't have to answer...I'm just funning with you!!



:laugh:

Have you ever noticed how nearly EVERYTHING that tastes bad is an aphrodesiac? If it tastes terrible it will improve your love life, although I really don't have a problem with rutabaga. ;)

 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ZK on January 13, 2009, 07:50:36 pm
Maybe we should rename this thread Dining IN - Pleasurable or Painful? Why, didn't you know, Matt, that rutabaga is a legendary aphrodesiac? When you almost passed out, did the chef carry you to the bed and fanned/massaged you to revive you? Did he have to apply mouth to mouth resucitation? No, you don't have to answer...I'm just funning with you!!



No I did not know it was an aphrodesiac! As to what happend after the meal, I take the 5th ;D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 13, 2009, 08:07:59 pm
I guess I must be lucky, I don't remember having the issues that some of you have had.

One thing that will make me leave a joint is if I see a bug somewhere.

Ewwwwwwh.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 13, 2009, 08:13:43 pm
:laugh:

Have you ever noticed how nearly EVERYTHING that tastes bad is an aphrodesiac? If it tastes terrible it will improve your love life, although I really don't have a problem with rutabaga. ;)

 

Ain't that the truth, David. Take oysters for instance. Yetch!  :P

I too like swedes (That's what we call them in Oz. Never heard the word "rutabaga" before). My Mum used to make a wonderful vegetable soup with lots of yummy ingredients like swede, parsnip, carrot, onion, potato, peas, string beans, cabbage and barley in it. It was delicious. I think I've got Mum's recipe somewhere. I might make up a batch next winter. Mum always made it in the wintertime.   :)
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 13, 2009, 08:37:19 pm
I guess I must be lucky, I don't remember having the issues that some of you have had.

One thing that will make me leave a joint is if I see a bug somewhere.

Ewwwwwwh.

There's a cafe near my place of work. I used to go there a lot and I introduced lots of new custom to them over the years. They made the best, to-die-for lasagne in town and had a scrummy selection of fabbo salads to choose from.

I was having lunch there on this particular occasion with a work colleague. I'd ordered my usual lasagne with Greek salad. We were half way through our lunch when I noticed something alien in my salad. It was just a tiny speck but had unmistakably once had a heart-beat!

Because I'd eaten there so many times before and knew how squeaky clean the proprietors were, I didn't make a big fuss about it. Needless to say, I didn't eat any more salad but I did finish my lasagne. I also didn't want to distress my companion, and put her off her lunch. I made sure the little critter was out of sight. It was just a tiny speck.

After the meal, I collected our plates and took them to the counter, telling my friend that I would order coffee in the process.

The proprietors knew me very well. We weren't buddies exactly, but I had been eating lunch there for years (not every day, but certainly a couple of times each month). I showed them the bug (a husband and wife Greek couple run the place) and they hit the roof. They were angry . . . at ME! The man denied it being a bug (it did look a bit like a speck of salad herb) until I said, "It's got legs!" At which point he begrudgedly offered me the coffee for free.

I haven't been back. Their loss. There are lots of other restaurants and cafes around St Leonards and Crows Nest, where I work.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 13, 2009, 08:42:03 pm
Did they ever air the Green Acres series in Australia, Kerry? They were always talking about rutabagas on that show. I think Oliver and Lisa were obsessed with them. :-\

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 13, 2009, 08:52:11 pm
Kerry, one time I walked into a cafeteria, and grabbed a small bottle of diet coke, and was waiting on line to order a sandwich.  I happened to glance to the left, and saw a roach crawling on the countertop.

I just paid for my soda, and left.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 13, 2009, 08:54:11 pm

Did they ever air the Green Acres series in Australia, Kerry? They were always talking about rutabagas on that show. I think Oliver and Lisa were obsessed with them. :-\


I do remember Green Acres, David. I can even hear the theme tune in my head. Can't remember any of the dialogue, though, so don't remember them mentioning rutagagas. Gosh, that was a long time ago. That show was in black & white!  

How is rutabaga pronounced? Is it root-uh-bay-guh ("root" as in "shoot") or rut-uh-bay-guh ("rut" as in "cut")?
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 13, 2009, 08:55:22 pm
Kerry, one time I walked into a cafeteria, and grabbed a small bottle of diet coke, and was waiting on line to order a sandwich.  I happened to glance to the left, and saw a roach crawling on the countertop.

I just paid for my soda, and left.

Very wise, Chuck. I'd've done the same.  :P
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: southendmd on January 13, 2009, 08:57:43 pm
How is rutabaga pronounced? Is it root-uh-bay-guh ("root" as in "shoot") or rut-uh-bay-guh ("rut" as in "cut")?

It's the former, Kerry. 

Hey, I remember Green Acres being in color?  Kerry, was your set black and white?   ;)

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrbPAt1_vc4[/youtube]
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 13, 2009, 08:57:54 pm
I do remember Green Acres, David. I can even hear the theme tune in my head. Can't remember any of the dialogue, though, so don't remember them mentioning rutagagas. Gosh, that was a long time ago. That show was in black & white!  

How is rutabaga pronounced? Is it root-uh-bay-guh ("root" as in "shoot") or rut-uh-bay-guh ("rut" as in "cut")?

The first one Kerry. ROOT-uh-bay-guh. At least that's how we say it around here.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 13, 2009, 09:04:50 pm
(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/spiffywonderboy/green_acres_logo.gif)(http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/spiffywonderboy/greenacres1.gif)

Green Acres is the place to be...... farm livin' is the life for me!!

Isn't that how the song went? I can't remember for sure now. :P



Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 13, 2009, 09:08:56 pm
It's the former, Kerry. 

Hey, I remember Green Acres being in color?  Kerry, was your set black and white?   ;)

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrbPAt1_vc4[/youtube]

Oh, Paul, that was such fun to see. Isn't the internet a wonderful thing? That brought back so many memories of an era in my life when I was very young. Was Green Acres released in the 1960s? If so, I was a teenager then, living at home, and yes my parents set was black and white at that time. Now I think about it, though, I do remember the re-runs in colour. Thanks again, Paul. I really enjoyed that!  :D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: southendmd on January 13, 2009, 09:11:20 pm
Yes, indeed, Kerry, the internet, and YouTube, in particular, are wonderful things.  Instant time machine.  Occasionally, I find myself passing hours looking at clips that remind me of a happier time. 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 13, 2009, 09:17:48 pm
The first one Kerry. ROOT-uh-bay-guh. At least that's how we say it around here.

Although I started thinking about it, and it would be very "Hoosier" to pronouce it RUT-uh-bay-guh. We have a tendancy to shorten certain long vowel sounds around here. For example it's often "fut" instead of "foot".

But as far as rutabagas are concerned, I've only heard it pronounced ROOT-uh-bay-guh. Although I'm sure there are some around here say it the other way! :laugh:

Man! We've really sent this thread OFF topic haven't we? From dining, to doggie bags, to rutabagas and Green Acres, and now Midwestern dialects! :P

:laugh: 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 13, 2009, 09:57:03 pm
Although I started thinking about it, and it would be very "Hoosier" to pronouce it RUT-uh-bay-guh. We have a tendancy to shorten certain long vowel sounds around here. For example it's often "fut" instead of "foot".

But as far as rutabagas are concerned, I've only heard it pronounced ROOT-uh-bay-guh. Although I'm sure there are some around here say it the other way! :laugh:

Man! We've really sent this thread OFF topic haven't we? From dining, to doggie bags, to rutabagas and Green Acres, and now Midwestern dialects! :P

:laugh: 

Gash, I was having so much fun, I hadn't even noticed we'd gone off topic.  :laugh:

(What was the topic again?)  ;)   ;D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 13, 2009, 10:37:41 pm
Gash, I was having so much fun, I hadn't even noticed we'd gone off topic.  :laugh:

(What was the topic again?)  ;)   ;D

I can't remember anymore! ;)

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: delalluvia on January 14, 2009, 12:24:46 am
There's a cafe near my place of work. I used to go there a lot and I introduced lots of new custom to them over the years. They made the best, to-die-for lasagne in town and had a scrummy selection of fabbo salads to choose from.

I was having lunch there on this particular occasion with a work colleague. I'd ordered my usual lasagne with Greek salad. We were half way through our lunch when I noticed something alien in my salad. It was just a tiny speck but had unmistakably once had a heart-beat!

Because I'd eaten there so many times before and knew how squeaky clean the proprietors were, I didn't make a big fuss about it. Needless to say, I didn't eat any more salad but I did finish my lasagne. I also didn't want to distress my companion, and put her off her lunch. I made sure the little critter was out of sight. It was just a tiny speck.

After the meal, I collected our plates and took them to the counter, telling my friend that I would order coffee in the process.

The proprietors knew me very well. We weren't buddies exactly, but I had been eating lunch there for years (not every day, but certainly a couple of times each month). I showed them the bug (a husband and wife Greek couple run the place) and they hit the roof. They were angry . . . at ME! The man denied it being a bug (it did look a bit like a speck of salad herb) until I said, "It's got legs!" At which point he begrudgedly offered me the coffee for free.

I haven't been back. They're loss. There are lots of other restaurants and cafes around St Leonards and Crows Nest, where I work.

Know the feeling.  I've found bugs in my Chinese food - a caterpillar that looked like a piece of broccoli, but I kept putting off eating until I got to the bottom of my dish and realized what it was,  half of something with legs in my chiliburger, knocked a roach off a friend's shoulder in a Chili's restaurant,  things like that until people stopped wanting to go out to eat with me.  I was eating in a famous Tex-Mex cafe, food was great, salsa scorching and then, across the room, under a table, I saw half of a roach.  Dying, he kicked his legs throughout my meal.  Not sure what cut him in half, but my eyes kept drifting to him.  I've never eaten there again.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Front-Ranger on January 14, 2009, 12:42:54 am
In order to manhandle this thread back into place, I would like to mention that EDelMar and I always like to get our share of vegetables when we go to the New York Deli across the street from our place of work. We always order the celery soda!

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 14, 2009, 01:08:36 am
Know the feeling.  I've found bugs in my Chinese food - a caterpillar that looked like a piece of broccoli, but I kept putting off eating until I got to the bottom of my dish and realized what it was,  half of something with legs in my chiliburger, knocked a roach off a friend's shoulder in a Chili's restaurant,  things like that until people stopped wanting to go out to eat with me.  I was eating in a famous Tex-Mex cafe, food was great, salsa scorching and then, across the room, under a table, I saw half of a roach.  Dying, he kicked his legs throughout my meal.  Not sure what cut him in half, but my eyes kept drifting to him.  I've never eaten there again.

You should have pulled a Victor Victoria Del. Well, I guess it would have only been half of a Victor Victoria because you didn't sneak the roach in there with you. ;)
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 14, 2009, 01:09:57 am
In order to manhandle this thread back into place, I would like to mention that EDelMar and I always like to get our share of vegetables when we go to the New York Deli across the street from our place of work. We always order the celery soda!



It did go a bit off topic didn't it Lee? Sorry about that.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 14, 2009, 12:02:14 pm
I was eating in a famous Tex-Mex cafe, food was great, salsa scorching and then, across the room, under a table, I saw half of a roach.  Dying, he kicked his legs throughout my meal.  Not sure what cut him in half, but my eyes kept drifting to him.  I've never eaten there again.


 :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:


Sorry, I don't mean to laugh, because if that was me, I'd have gotten up and left.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 14, 2009, 12:04:15 pm
We always order the celery soda!



(http://www.rootbeerreviews.com/others/images/celray.jpg)

I've seen this soda, and never tried it.  I always say "Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwh" when I see it.   :laugh:
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 14, 2009, 04:30:13 pm
In order to manhandle this thread back into place, I would like to mention that EDelMar and I always like to get our share of vegetables when we go to the New York Deli across the street from our place of work. We always order the celery soda!



Celery soda Lee? You've got to be kidding me! I've never heard of that before.

I remember a few years ago when they sold soda containing some controversial flavors such as turkey, fruitcake and some others. I don't think they even sell them anymore. I can't imagine why! ;) :P

But celery? Does it really taste like celery Lee? It sounds absolutely disgusting! :laugh:

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 14, 2009, 04:42:27 pm


(http://www.rootbeerreviews.com/others/images/celray.jpg)

I've seen this soda, and never tried it.  I always say "Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwh" when I see it.   :laugh:


ewwww yuck. That looks really nasty. Maybe you should buy a can and taste it for us Chuck. If it makes you ralph, I'll send you a bottle of Pepto Bismol compliments of moi. ;)

If Lee likes it it couldn't be ALL that bad... could it?

Lee, I tried those fish tacos and those really scared me (although they really weren't half bad) but I'm going to skip on the celery soda. They probably don't even sell it around here anyway. I've never heard of it before.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kelda on January 14, 2009, 04:59:52 pm
nobody call suedes turnips?
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on January 14, 2009, 05:33:21 pm
nobody call suedes turnips?

Suede turnips?  ???
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on January 14, 2009, 05:39:01 pm
I checked "Other" because most of the places I eat, especially when I visit my dad, the problem isn't portions that are too small, it's portions that are too large. And it isn't always convenient to take your leftovers home with you.

No wonder the U.S. now has more people who are clinically obese than merely overweight. At least, I think that's what I heard a day or so ago.

On the other hand, in a "nice" restaurant I will never order "medallions of veal" again. I did once. ... The menu made the dish sound yummo. When it arrived, I had three or four pieces of meat each the size of a quarter.  >:(  :laugh:
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kelda on January 14, 2009, 06:49:45 pm
Suede turnips?  ???
oops spelling!!


swedes = turnips = rutabagas
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: southendmd on January 14, 2009, 07:21:21 pm


(http://www.rootbeerreviews.com/others/images/celray.jpg)

I've seen this soda, and never tried it.  I always say "Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwh" when I see it.   :laugh:

Funny, I was just at Rein's, a wonderful deli just outside of Hartford, CT, this past weekend, and they had Cel-Ray soda (not to mention killer pastrami).  Dr. Brown's also makes root beer, black cherry, and cream soda.  Here's what Wiki has to say:

"Dr Brown's Cel-Ray soda is a soft drink with a celery flavor. It is fairly easy to find in New York City. Outside the New York City region, it is rather obscure but can sometimes be found at Jewish delicatessens and restaurants. In addition, it can be found at certain grocers that specialize in American food in Israel, and other specialty grocers.

The flavor is reminiscent of ginger ale, but with a more pronounced celery flavor that is more pungent or peppery, derived from celery seed extract."
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 14, 2009, 07:29:10 pm
Maybe you should buy a can and taste it for us Chuck. If it makes you ralph, I'll send you a bottle of Pepto Bismol compliments of moi. ;)


Oh sure!  make me the sacrificial lamb!

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 14, 2009, 07:29:22 pm
So then it really isn't carbonated celery juice. It tastes like a peppery ginger ale. That probably wouldn't taste too bad then. :)

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 14, 2009, 09:19:22 pm
Funny, I was just at Rein's, a wonderful deli just outside of Hartford, CT, this past weekend, and they had Cel-Ray soda (not to mention killer pastrami).  Dr. Brown's also makes root beer, black cherry, and cream soda.  Here's what Wiki has to say:

"Dr Brown's Cel-Ray soda is a soft drink with a celery flavor. It is fairly easy to find in New York City. Outside the New York City region, it is rather obscure but can sometimes be found at Jewish delicatessens and restaurants. In addition, it can be found at certain grocers that specialize in American food in Israel, and other specialty grocers.

The flavor is reminiscent of ginger ale, but with a more pronounced celery flavor that is more pungent or peppery, derived from celery seed extract."

I'm rather fond of the flavour of celery. My Mum's home-made vegetable soup had celery in it. It lifted the flavour and made it lighter on the palate. There's a very distinctive celery flavour in V8 vegetable juice too, which I love. Yumbo!  :D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on January 14, 2009, 09:54:48 pm
swedes = turnips = rutabagas

I like turnips.  :D  Never had rutabagas, though.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 14, 2009, 10:15:11 pm
V-8 juice is the work of the devil! 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 14, 2009, 10:47:18 pm
V-8 juice is the work of the devil! 

 :laugh:
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Lynne on January 14, 2009, 11:36:05 pm
V-8 juice is the work of the devil! 

umm...I think that's just when you add vodka and tabasco, bud!   :-* :-*
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Front-Ranger on January 15, 2009, 12:13:11 am
I like turnips.  :D  Never had rutabagas, though.

Personally, I think rutabagas beat turnips anytime, hands down! You may notice the rutabagas are about twice the price of turnips in the stores.

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: ifyoucantfixit on January 16, 2009, 01:58:44 am



         I have never had a rutabaga, but I love turnips.  I love most all root vegetables.  I prefer
veggies to meat over all.  Even tho I am close to it, I am not yet a vegetarian.  Probably never
will be one.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 16, 2009, 01:59:20 am
umm...I think that's just when you add vodka and tabasco, bud!   :-* :-*

And now they make V8 juice that tastes like fruit! For some reason vegetable juice that tastes like fruit juice sounds disgusting to me. It's a bit like putting grape jelly on a brussel sprout. :P

Speaking of brussel sprouts, did you hear about the zoo in England? They fed some gorrillas brussel sprouts as a holiday treat and now they have a terrible flatulence problem. Or at least they did. I hope they have that problem resolved by now. 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 16, 2009, 02:01:32 am


         I have never had a rutabaga, but I love turnips.  I love most all root vegetables.  I prefer
veggies to meat over all.  Even tho I am close to it, I am not yet a vegetarian.  Probably never
will be one.

I've had rutabagas before Janice. I thought they tasted very much like turnips. I like those too! :)
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 16, 2009, 07:49:35 am


         I have never had a rutabaga, but I love turnips.  I love most all root vegetables.  I prefer
veggies to meat over all.  Even tho I am close to it, I am not yet a vegetarian.  Probably never
will be one.

I've had several flirtations with vegetarianism through my life. I'm fortunate in that my favourite foods are fruit and vegetables. For many years, the only meat I ate was poultry. Relatively recently, over the past couple of years, I've returned to eating red meat again, albeit sparingly. I still prefer to get my protein from poultry, but also eat lean cuts of red meat also nowadays. I continue to love my fruit and vegies best but occasionally treat myself to something overtly carnivorous, like goulash, which I thoroughly enjoy. Like you, Janice, I'll never be a complete vegetarian, nor would I wish to be these days. I now believe it's wise, for the sake of one's health, to maintain a well balanced diet, consisting of choices from all the major food groups. This is particularly true, I believe, as one reached seniority, like me. We humans are, through evolution, omnivorous. 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on January 16, 2009, 02:30:32 pm
V-8 juice is the work of the devil! 

Hunh?  ???
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 16, 2009, 03:29:49 pm
Hunh?  ???


I hate that shit.....it's sooo nasty tasting!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 16, 2009, 03:34:46 pm
I love V8 juice! I think I mostly like it because it has a salty taste. But the fruit flavored V8 just sounds wrong. Fruit flavored vegetables. Yuck. :P

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: HerrKaiser on January 16, 2009, 03:56:01 pm

I hate that shit.....it's sooo nasty tasting!

...add a healthy dose of Kettle One and you'll love it.  ;)
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: CellarDweller on January 16, 2009, 04:03:45 pm
I'm sure enought Kettle One would make anythng taste good.


 :laugh:
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: HerrKaiser on January 16, 2009, 04:13:01 pm
...including those 'night terrors'.  ;D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: David In Indy on January 16, 2009, 04:16:00 pm
I've had several flirtations with vegetarianism through my life. I'm fortunate in that my favourite foods are fruit and vegetables. For many years, the only meat I ate was poultry. Relatively recently, over the past couple of years, I've returned to eating red meat again, albeit sparingly. I still prefer to get my protein from poultry, but also eat lean cuts of red meat also nowadays. I continue to love my fruit and vegies best but occasionally treat myself to something overtly carnivorous, like goulash, which I thoroughly enjoy. Like you, Janice, I'll never be a complete vegetarian, nor would I wish to be these days. I now believe it's wise, for the sake of one's health, to maintain a well balanced diet, consisting of choices from all the major food groups. This is particularly true, I believe, as one reached seniority, like me. We humans are, through evolution, omnivorous. 

Kerry, with a diet like yours, you probably have the healthiest heart in all of New South Wales - perhaps even in the entire country! :D

Kudos to you buddy! :-*

Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: HerrKaiser on January 16, 2009, 04:45:34 pm
an item not on the survey list that annoys me is no salt and pepper on the table at all. Some chefs think they know how i like my seasoning.
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Kerry on January 16, 2009, 09:06:21 pm
Kerry, with a diet like yours, you probably have the healthiest heart in all of New South Wales - perhaps even in the entire country! :D

Kudos to you buddy! :-*

Cheers David. You're probably right there, about my heart. And thankfully there's no genetic history of heart disease in my family.

Having said all those good things about my diet, however, I must be honest and confess that I throw all my healthy eating guidelines out the window, when I dine out. My two favourite locals restaurants are "The Happy Chef" Malay/Chinese and "El Bahsa" Lebanese. They serve wonderously decadent, rich delights, that are anything but  healthy. At "The Happy Chef", I usually order their to-die-for Chicken Laksa, which is a huge bowl of chicken and eastern vegetable soup with tofu and coconut cream, laced generously with chillies. More a stew than a soup. Yuuuuum! At "El Bahsa", I will literally eat most anything on the menu!  :D 
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Front-Ranger on February 02, 2009, 02:55:09 pm
I love V8 juice! I think I mostly like it because it has a salty taste. But the fruit flavored V8 just sounds wrong. Fruit flavored vegetables. Yuck. :P


Umm, the tomato is a fruit. It is a fruit of the tomato plant, a member of the nightshade family. Pour moi, the idea of a salty drink just sounds wrong, like drinking sea water. I don't even have salt on my margaritas!!

I do like V8 juice though, as a sauce or soup base. It makes a lovely jambalaya!! I used it to make alligator soup for the 2007 Brokeback BBQ. There were no leftovers!
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on February 02, 2009, 03:14:26 pm
Umm, the tomato is a fruit. It is a fruit of the tomato plant, a member of the nightshade family. Pour moi, the idea of a salty drink just sounds wrong, like drinking sea water. I don't even have salt on my margaritas!!

I do like V8 juice though, as a sauce or soup base. It makes a lovely jambalaya!! I used it to make alligator soup for the 2007 Brokeback BBQ. There were no leftovers!

Now, how can the tomato be a fruit if President Ronald Reagan said ketchup is a vegetable? What kind of witchcraft is that?  ???

 ;D
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Front-Ranger on February 02, 2009, 03:22:19 pm
Now, how can the tomato be a fruit if President Ronald Reagan said ketchup is a vegetable? What kind of witchcraft is that?  ???

Voodoo bionomics.  ::)
Title: Re: Dining Out - Pleasurable or Painful?
Post by: Jeff Wrangler on February 02, 2009, 03:23:46 pm
Voodoo bionomics.  ::)


 :laugh:  :laugh:  :laugh: