Last night our family went out to a family restaurant, namely Cobb @ Co. We've been there a few times and its average to good, but last night :(
I only want to mention one word, 'SPECIALS'
Now to me that usually means that the restuarant is giving some sought of bargain / bonus for choosing this menu item. And to me it usually speaks of a reduction in price. Am I right or am I right?!
Last nights special was Slow roasted minted lamb shanks covered with a rich gravy over mash accompanied with seasonal vegetables. That sounded good to me. Having made up my mind so readily I was free to quickly exert my dominance over the easy peasy Japanesey Lemon sqeezey (as my daughter repeatedly says - what are they teaching kids in schools these days?)...puzzles. What not even a sharp pencil - tut tut tut.
When the 'Trainee' waitress finally came around to take our orders I asked if the 'Special' was two lamb shanks for the price of one (as the price was the same as the listed menu item for a single lamb shank), whereupon she told me that it was only for one. She must be mistaken, surely, afterall she is a Trainee. I then asked her what made it 'special'? She informed me that it was more just the fact that they were advertising it that made it special.
Really, well your 'Special' is not very special afterall. Someone just ordered too many lambshanks and you're trying to get them sold - LAME.
Remaining calm, I quickly browsed the menu once again and hastily chose the BBQ Spare Ribs...mmmmm...they were gooooood!
We are either really rich or really silly. Our family all dined out again the next day. This time it was B.K for lunch. The kids played on the weird little playground, Jackie ordered and I people watched, by people I mean the kids.
We got our lunch and sat down. I hailed the kids (Star Trek influence there) and we fell to the board making short work of the food before us (Stephen Lawhead influence there). Just a few things were missing...
- Serviettes - none to be found anywhere.
- Straws - not a necessity but it makes drinking slightly more amusing
- Sauce - or Ketchup as it's known in BK land
Now I could have probably attained all these items if I would have stood in,line and waited another 10 minutes to be served but then who wants to wait when it's supposed to be fast food.
If I sound ungrateful, i'm not. I'm very thankful to be able to eat out and I enjoy doing so. It's just that we treat it as a 'Special' occasion and the misleading or simply lack of service detracts from the 'Specialness' if you like.
So here's my top 5 hints when eating out:
- Don't take the kids (harsh - yes, but also very true)
- Make money no object - expect to pay about 1/2 of what you pay on the weekly groceries (if not more)
- Order something you couldn't have made at home - so even if it's bad, you still couldn't have had it at home, so that's good.
- Never order the Terrine - one word, 'Jellymeat'
- Wear adjustable clothing - nothing spoils a great meal out like a constricted lower body. Men - loose jeans/trousers with a belt. Ladies - elastic anything.
