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Restaurants have gotten so expensive……also recycling and phone apps (1 Viewer)

Oh, yeah. And standard reading the room rules always apply, but if the trade off to losing $5 from the squatters is an extra table then I'll net ahead. The decision making process is also a whole lot different at 9 pm than it is at 6. The latter and they can banter over their extra cocktails all they want while I work on my outs, but the former with a wait at the door? I gotta be trending towards something good if they're gonna get anything other than a proactive bill
When I ran restaurants, I approached the squatters with, "hey, sorry guys, I have a reservation for this table. If you don't mind sliding over to the bar, we'll get you a dessert/cocktail/whatever".


Long as it has been over 90 minutes, everyone is cool about it. And really, if the guest doesn't understand that their 6:00 reservation might end at some point, I don't want them to come back. If someone has that little knowledge of the way restaurant economics work, they'll be in next week explaining to me what they pay for chicken at Costco.
 
I apologize for my behavior on this tangent. It does get overwhelming and tiring when I deal with the xenophobia between the Japanese and Okinawans. I had a little bit too much to drink Thursday evening and let my emotions get out of control
Is it more or less annoying that the fact that most of us only know Okinawa because Mr. Miyagi?
 
When I ran restaurants, I approached the squatters with, "hey, sorry guys, I have a reservation for this table. If you don't mind sliding over to the bar, we'll get you a dessert/cocktail/whatever".
Same. Never really had a issue doing it. A free cocktail or beer goes a long way.
Owners and managers who didn't see the value in a free drink were too stupid to work with.
 
they'll be in next week explaining to me what they pay for chicken at Costco.
What about the hot dog?
$4.00 for a soda?!? I can get a soda AND a hot dog for $1.50.

I get 5 gallons of mayonnaise for $4, and you want $4 for a soda---look at all that ice!
Had someone (super upset) compare my beer prices to the “gas station by their house”. I was running, and they were at my craft brewery at the time. 🤦🏻‍♂️
 
TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.
Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.
The slice of pizza is fantastic, and a deal too.
Absolutely. Was just looking at that last night while waiting for my hot dog in GM's honor. $9.99 for a large pepperoni pizza if you want to feed the fam. You order it, go shop and then pick it up while you're heading out the door.
 
TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.
Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.
The slice of pizza is fantastic, and a deal too.
Absolutely. Was just looking at that last night while waiting for my hot dog in GM's honor. $9.99 for a large pepperoni pizza if you want to feed the fam. You order it, go shop and then pick it up while you're heading out the door.
Been a monthly dinner of ours for however long we've had our membership (10+ years?), but we finally had to add an item this year as one of those massive pizzas is no longer enough to satisfy the whole army.
 
TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.
Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.
The slice of pizza is fantastic, and a deal too.
Absolutely. Was just looking at that last night while waiting for my hot dog in GM's honor. $9.99 for a large pepperoni pizza if you want to feed the fam. You order it, go shop and then pick it up while you're heading out the door.
Been a monthly dinner of ours for however long we've had our membership (10+ years?), but we finally had to add an item this year as one of those massive pizzas is no longer enough to satisfy the whole army.
What did you go with? Those chicken bakes are good.
 
TIL, costco started that $1.50 hot dog/soda combo back in 1985. They don't ask you to tip either.
Yeah but then you have to eat a hot dog and drink a pop. They should be paying you to do that.
The slice of pizza is fantastic, and a deal too.
Absolutely. Was just looking at that last night while waiting for my hot dog in GM's honor. $9.99 for a large pepperoni pizza if you want to feed the fam. You order it, go shop and then pick it up while you're heading out the door.
Been a monthly dinner of ours for however long we've had our membership (10+ years?), but we finally had to add an item this year as one of those massive pizzas is no longer enough to satisfy the whole army.
What did you go with? Those chicken bakes are good.
That or the hot dog- kids usually influence the decision. I wish they'd bring back the Turkey Sandwich. We usually go on a weeknight and I have zero patience to toast my own sammich once we get home, so that thing hit the spot.
 
Probably healthier. When I was in Europe 30 years ago, I noticed that portion sizes were smaller. Also healthier, since total calories alone predicts a poor lipid profile (see the twinkie diet). Vegan restaurants should be cheaper, but they aren't since the market size is small.
This is a biggie for me. And to me huge proponent of healthy heating for folks who are trying to diet and get fit. When I'm cranking on all cylinders I really watch the portions for dinners at home and restaurants.

We've tried to install this with our kids since they were little. Eat until you are full. Don't feel like you have to eat everything on your plate.
I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

The Japanese suggest stopping at 80% full, in their expression hara hachi bu, based on a Confucian teaching. This may explain some of the extreme longevity seen in places like Okinawa. Animal studies show benefit from undereating, too.
Your statement about the Japanese and Okinawan’s USED to be true. I was stationed in Okinawa for four years and I’m currently on my second year of four years in Tokyo (Ginza/ Hiro-o). Your above statement is completely false regarding people 55 and younger in Japan and Okinawa.
Pretty sure Okinawa is still considered a “blue zone”, notable for longevity, even if younger generations are adopting unhealthy habits (eg. Western diet). I doubt those changes have completely been assimilated by everyone younger than middle age, but I’m open to learning otherwise.

Regardless, my point remains: there may be value in stopping eating BEFORE you are full.
There is absolutely value in stopping eating BEFORE you are full. I know I was taught that as a kiddo. However, I would never use the Japanese as the high bar/standard to live up to.

I can tell you that there is more wrong “thinking” in Japan than there is right/ good behavior. I guess it’s knowing the “why“ behind their behavior as to why it is just so sad. That said, I’m glad my kids and I got to enjoy/experience this culture.

I’m also thankful that I never put my kids into the Japanese education system. The Japanese education system is awful at best . Both of my kids are extremely successful. I have a computer engineer at ORNL and a daughter getting her PhD at MIT. I do not think my kids would have been as successful if they were put in the Japanese education system.
I wasn’t really looking to debate the merits of Japanese culture, but congrats on your kids getting into good schools, I guess. :shrug:
Thank you, you are correct… My kids have been successful outside of the Japanese culture. However, I have noticed that you reach back to Japanese culture in many of your posts. I suspect you are Japanese or your wife is Japanese. The Japanese do as much right as they do wrong. Just like any other culture.
Interesting observation. I live in Hawaii, so there is a lot of Japanese influence here. I’m Caucasian. My wife is a mixed ethnicity local woman, including part Japanese. But she’s American, and her family has lived in the islands multiple generations.

Again, not debating the pros and cons of the culture. Skiing in Japan is super awesome though.
Ever ski in Hawaii?
No.

As you may know, you can ski Mauna Kea, on the Big Island. Basically, you take the road to the summit, ski a couple hundred yards on a very gentle slope, then get picked up where the road crosses your path.

Because there typically isn’t a ton of snow on a base is broken lava rock, you‘ll probably trash your skis along the way. The novelty isn’t worth the effort, imo.
 
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Probably healthier. When I was in Europe 30 years ago, I noticed that portion sizes were smaller. Also healthier, since total calories alone predicts a poor lipid profile (see the twinkie diet). Vegan restaurants should be cheaper, but they aren't since the market size is small.
This is a biggie for me. And to me huge proponent of healthy heating for folks who are trying to diet and get fit. When I'm cranking on all cylinders I really watch the portions for dinners at home and restaurants.

We've tried to install this with our kids since they were little. Eat until you are full. Don't feel like you have to eat everything on your plate.
I still struggle with the idea of wasting food, but there’s an argument to take what you’re saying a step further: stop eating before you are full. This is especially true if you eat quickly, as satiety lags behind adequate caloric intake.

The Japanese suggest stopping at 80% full, in their expression hara hachi bu, based on a Confucian teaching. This may explain some of the extreme longevity seen in places like Okinawa. Animal studies show benefit from undereating, too.
Your statement about the Japanese and Okinawan’s USED to be true. I was stationed in Okinawa for four years and I’m currently on my second year of four years in Tokyo (Ginza/ Hiro-o). Your above statement is completely false regarding people 55 and younger in Japan and Okinawa.
Pretty sure Okinawa is still considered a “blue zone”, notable for longevity, even if younger generations are adopting unhealthy habits (eg. Western diet). I doubt those changes have completely been assimilated by everyone younger than middle age, but I’m open to learning otherwise.

Regardless, my point remains: there may be value in stopping eating BEFORE you are full.
There is absolutely value in stopping eating BEFORE you are full. I know I was taught that as a kiddo. However, I would never use the Japanese as the high bar/standard to live up to.

I can tell you that there is more wrong “thinking” in Japan than there is right/ good behavior. I guess it’s knowing the “why“ behind their behavior as to why it is just so sad. That said, I’m glad my kids and I got to enjoy/experience this culture.

I’m also thankful that I never put my kids into the Japanese education system. The Japanese education system is awful at best . Both of my kids are extremely successful. I have a computer engineer at ORNL and a daughter getting her PhD at MIT. I do not think my kids would have been as successful if they were put in the Japanese education system.
I wasn’t really looking to debate the merits of Japanese culture, but congrats on your kids getting into good schools, I guess. :shrug:
Thank you, you are correct… My kids have been successful outside of the Japanese culture. However, I have noticed that you reach back to Japanese culture in many of your posts. I suspect you are Japanese or your wife is Japanese. The Japanese do as much right as they do wrong. Just like any other culture.
Interesting observation. I live in Hawaii, so there is a lot of Japanese influence here. I’m Caucasian. My wife is a mixed ethnicity local woman, including part Japanese. But she’s American, and her family has lived in the islands multiple generations.

Again, not debating the pros and cons of the culture. Skiing in Japan is super awesome though.
Ever ski in Hawaii?
No.

As you may know, you can ski Mauna Kea, on the Big Island. Basically, you take the road to the summit, ski a couple hundred yards on a very gentle slope, then get picked up where the road crosses your path.

Because there typically isn’t a ton of snow on a base is broken lava rock, you probably trash your skis along the way. The novelty isn’t worth the effort, imo.
One of the times we were up on Haleakala you could see Maunakea and it was covered in snow. Awesome.
 
Bigger things we collectively turn a blind eye to result primarily from outsourcing cheap labor and materials to countries where worker rights and the environment are an afterthought. Of course some of that exists among domestic companies, too.

Thanks. How practically is the consumer then to operate in the real world? What is the responsibility of the consumer?

Lots of people are just at the grocery store or farmers market or restaurant or hardware store or shopping on Amazon. I think they're likely just buying what they need or want. That feels very different from the way more negative accusation of "looking the other way to save a buck" and then feigning ignorance.
Try to shop locally for food, at places like farmers markets. For other things, find a few companies/brands you research and trust.

Most importantly, don’t buy a ton of stuff.

Although I try to stay out of big box stores, it’s hard to find much wrong with Costco.

While this approach isn’t ideal, it’s incrementally better than prioritizing cost and convenience imo.

ETA And yes, there are times I effectively look the other way. But I try not to let perfect be the enemy of good.
 
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While it’s fair to call me out for being a little sanctimonious, let’s not pretend a big chunk of our economy isn't predicated on people looking the other way to save a buck, no matter their economic circumstances.

This could and probably should be it's own thread but this is interesting.

In your opinion what percentage of our economy is "predicated on people looking the other way to save a buck" that would constitute "a big chunk"?

And how specifically are you saying people do that? By paying cash?

It's interesting to me as I don't see this as a big issue but you continue to talk about it so obviously we see it differently.

And to be clear, how is it a negative and "looking the other way" when people do something like choose a cash discount in a store?
To be clear, the potential for cash transactions enabling tax evasion is pretty low on the list of bad stuff we ignore as consumers. And it’s not always an issue to pay with cash.

Bigger things we collectively turn a blind eye to result primarily from outsourcing cheap labor and materials to countries where worker rights and the environment are an afterthought. Of course some of that exists among domestic companies, too.
Do you shop at WalMart? many companies do this because WalMart demands the lowest price.
No.
 
Place called grove park inn.

Grove Park is known to be super expensive though. I personally think it's overpriced but I'd expect the Old Fashioned there to be twice the price of a regular Old Fashioned in Asheville. And I'd guess it has something different than the normal well bourbon.
 
Looks like it's $32 http://menus.omnihotels.com/MobileM...N*MTY5MDcyODk2OC4xLjEuMTY5MDcyOTA2NS42MC4wLjA.

And is made with Maker's Mark Private Select. That's not an insane bourbon of course, but about $75 for 750 ml bottle.

Still a ton for an Old Fashioned. But at that place with that bourbon, that's a different thing than we're talking about here I think with regular restaurants being more expensive.
Yeah that looks like the literal worst deal on the menu. The beer is priced reasonably. The wine is within reason. Food is pretty normal pricing for a "nice" restaurant.
 
forget the chain places, but what is with pizzerias charging $20 for pies? it’s water and flour for the most part.
20 bucks? You can easily pay over 30 for a good pizza (or hell, even a not good pizza) in a lot of places.

Hell, I went to my mother in laws tonight and I suggested we get some good za from several different locations. But nope, she got some garbage Davanni's pizza. **** is so terrible and looking at their menu she probably paid 75 dollars for three of their terrible things.

I know I am a pizza snob, but if I am going to pay 25 bucks plus for a pie, it better damn well be good. And if it is good, I will gladly pay that much.
 
I’ve also eaten at Norma’s in NYC. It’s the place with $2K lobster and caviar omelettes. I had the ‘cheap’ version, for like 30 bucks.
 
Had someone (super upset) compare my beer prices to the “gas station by their house”. I was running, and they were at my craft brewery at the time
Know what I used to say as a server?

"I know, right??"
my place is on the sand and you can not get a better view in laguna beach. i say this exactly but i add in an expressive wave at the ocean

"Better view" of what....the ocean or the transients? OOOOHHH! RIMSHOOOOT!!!
 
Had someone (super upset) compare my beer prices to the “gas station by their house”. I was running, and they were at my craft brewery at the time
Know what I used to say as a server?

"I know, right??"
my place is on the sand and you can not get a better view in laguna beach. i say this exactly but i add in an expressive wave at the ocean

"Better view" of what....the ocean or the transients? OOOOHHH! RIMSHOOOOT!!!
NIMBY. There are maybe 3 home less in laguna. They’re not prevalent at all.
 

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