Was
out with a group the other day. We were closing in on dinner,
one person needed to break away and head someplace else, and we
began making fun of their options.
Just
so happened that this person was headed to a place where the best
options for something to eat were likely to involve vending machines.
Since we were headed to a favorite place for all of us, the jokes
began. We were going to be sharing appetizers, jealous of the
other plates on the table while enjoying our own, and clinking
glasses of adult beverages. He was going to be making decisions
that involved flattening out the edges of dollar bills while clicking
buttons to select B-5 and D-7.
Life
isn’t always fair.
But
it did get thinking about what exactly goes into the decision
of fine dining. I can think of some amazing places where I had
a fantastic meal, tipped very well, and got change back for a
twenty. And, I know of several places where I had food that barely
registered as so-so, needed to apply for a line of credit to pay
the bill, and was still hungry when I left the restaurant.
There
are a lot of things to consider here, ranging from food quality
to overall value. After all, I’d like to think we can agree that
an absolutely delicious sandwich is a beautiful thing, but there
are very few ways to compare that sandwich to wonderfully seasoned
grilled scallops served over a lovely wild mushroom risotto with
perfectly roasted vegetables on the side.
Have
you ever heard of an automat? It’s a restaurant where everything
is served from a vending machine. Most people have never encountered
them, with the last true ones that remained from a long bygone
age closing up about thirty years ago. Recently, technology and
food options have come together to create some interesting scenarios.
Yup, unlock your phone, download the app, order some mac and cheese
then walk to the machine to pick it up.
Or
something like that. The end result being, while some would say
the experience never fully disappeared, these are not the convenience
of sandwiches found in the automats of yesteryear. We’re on to
something new, and B-5 might be less of a joke and one heck of
an unexpected delight.
The
crazy thing is, eating bad food isn’t the value choice it once
was. One argument about being smart and healthy is that good food
is expensive to purchase. Junk food is cheap. But the other day
I stopped for something quick and a twenty didn’t cover the cost.
I could stop at any grocery store, head to the produce section
and grab a fresh salad mix for under five dollars.
And
who’s getting the better end of the deals?
One
night last week, I was out with a great group of friends. Lots
of appetizers being passed around and ice cold drinks being ordered.
Bar was good and not overpriced. Band was awesome. We had a fantastic
time.
About
a month ago, similar size group headed into a restaurant. Pricey
place. Big check. We also had a really good time, but not a lot
of sharing going on.
Different
places. Different events. Still satisfying.
I
think most of it comes down to expectations. The reality is, you
can make comparisons. But in the end, it has nothing to do with
pastrami on rye being matched up against steak and lobster. It’s
about the smiles and experiences. Because if you enjoyed it and
felt it was worth what you paid, that’s fantastic.
Under
those guidelines, the dumplings waiting for you behind door number
35 are going to be a terrific choice.