A Taste Of To Go

Most of us are fed up with home cooking. Let's face it two months of isolation , forage food shopping and cooking non stop is wearing. There's something about eating out - well the new eating out.

I know the lure of take out is strong. There's something about someone else cooking burgers and fries that's tempting. Yes, the restaurants are closed , at least in my state, New Jersey until June 1st. However take out and drive through are going strong. Even getting a soup at Panera, which I did yesterday for lunch was great. I'd forgotten about how good their tomato soup was, even a small cup of it. The accompanying mini loaf of French bread was much appreciated too.Of course the day was too nice and I was itching to go out in the late afternoon. That's when Popeyes called. Luckily one of the ones by me has opened their lobby which means that there's no waiting on the long line for take out. The food, especially their chicken sandwich is still super popular. People want it, quarantine or not. However there is a long wait once you're indoors. There was no choice of soda - only Coke - fine - and no extras like barbecue sauce or honey mustard for the chicken tenders. Still, it was one of the best tasting chicken dinners ever.

If you really have that itch for take out - then take out. There's something great about a freshly made pizza with homemade tomato sauce and tons of gooey cheese. Creating homemade sauce and pasta was probably fulfilling a month ago. Now it's a chore. Treat yourself and your family to your local pastaria's scratch made angel hair or ravioli. They usually include salad, bread  and sometimes soup and even dessert. It's still a filling  and delicious meal but without all the forage shopping and headache of making everything. As the weather gets warmer, there's a need for the beach. Take advantage of the seafood restaurants there. There's something about a fresh lobster or crab dinner with all the trimmings, like melted butter and a side of cole slaw. Take advantage of the freshly made clam chowder too which tastes soooo much better than the canned stuff. Also take advantage of the fish and chips. Again , the fresh made is so much better than the frozen stuff. Restaurant's like Bahr's in the New Jersey town of Atlantic Highlands can bring your dinner and a cocktail out to your car. What more can you ask for?

This quarantine is getting to all of us. If you're tired of cooking. go out. Eat in the parking lot, far from the other cars. You'll feel better and happier.