On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:14:05 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>cshenk wrote:
>> Favorite place that might be a little Al-a-cart-ish? Subway. I like
>> the ability to select what I want on my sub.
>
>I like Subway's choice of fresh bread...I do like one
>of the choices but can't remember which one. It's been years.
>
>Other than the bread, I don't like them at all. I've only
>been twice. The meat is like Oscar Myers lunch meat.
>
>If you want a good sub in Virginia Beach, try Zero's
>https://www.facebook.com/ZerosSubsOc..._fb_noscript=1
>
>That page says they're closed now. I sure hope that's
>just temporary. Best subs at the beach for many years.

The best subs (heros) are those I make at home... plus are
effortless... why pay for Subways fake meat?
A new Subway opened here about a year ago, I was curious so I opened
the door and looked inside. It was about noon and there was only one
person eating in a booth. I eyeballed the place quickly and was
unimpressed plus the aroma wasn't right. This Subway was right in
front alongside of Tops Market, that has a good deli and good prices.
The Tops deli had a line of customers, Subway had one patron in a
booth. Now a year later Subway is gone. Tops deli carries a large
assortment of coldcuts including Boars Head, there's a nice seating
area inside the store and a large patio in front of the store with
several tables and chairs. Everytime I pass there are several people
eating there, mornings there's a line of construction workers buying
meals. When I think about it that was a dumb spot for a Subway. And
tops sells all brands of cold beverages including beer.

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 09:44:18 -0400, Gary > wrote:

" wrote:
>>
>> On Friday, August 14, 2020 at 12:53:03 PM UTC-5, Bruce wrote:
>> >
>> > Gary wrote:
>> >
>> > >Bruce wrote:
>> >
>> > >> I wonder how many Americans NEVER go to a restaurant.
>> > >
>> > >I will guess that most smart Americans don't go to a
>> > >restaurant currently. Not eat-in or even take-out.
>> >
>> You need to get out more often, Gary. It's a shocking world out there.
>
>Perhaps you need to say home more often, Joan.
>It's a dangerous world out there currently.
>Besides, I'm very outdoor active most every morning.
>Just avoid restaurants for now. That's all.
>
>> > Indeed. We haven't eaten out since late February.
>> >
>> Tsk, tsk.
>> >
>> > >Before the virus mess, I would never eat in a restaurant
>> > >by myself. That was a bit weird to me.
>> >
>> > I wouldn't do that on my own either.
>> >
>> You need to get out more often, too. Maybe you and Gary can hold hands
>> and comfort each other when you next visit a restaurant.
>>
>> I don't get this squeamishness for eating alone in a restaurant. Are y'all
>> terrified someone is going to look at you? Or embarrassed to be alone
>> at a restaurant? Do you think the world will view you as losers since you
>> don't have a dining partner?
>
>I should maybe clarify... When I said that eating alone in a
>restaurant is a bit weird to me, I wasn't saying it's weird
>for others to do that. Just weird for ME to do that. It's a
>personal thing. No need to get your feathers ruffled and get
>defensive.

Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:30:25 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>jmcquown wrote:
>>
>> On 8/17/2020 9:44 AM, Gary wrote:
>> > " wrote:
>> >>
>> >> On Friday, August 14, 2020 at 12:53:03 PM UTC-5, Bruce wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>> Gary wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>>> Bruce wrote:
>> >>>
>> >>>>> I wonder how many Americans NEVER go to a restaurant.
>> >>>>
>> >>>> I will guess that most smart Americans don't go to a
>> >>>> restaurant currently. Not eat-in or even take-out.
>> >>>
>> >> You need to get out more often, Gary. It's a shocking world out there.
>> >
>> > Perhaps you need to say home more often, Joan.
>> > It's a dangerous world out there currently.
>> > Besides, I'm very outdoor active most every morning.
>> > Just avoid restaurants for now. That's all.
>> >
>> >
>> >>>
>> >>> Indeed. We haven't eaten out since late February.
>> >>>
>> >> Tsk, tsk.
>> >>>
>> >>>> Before the virus mess, I would never eat in a restaurant
>> >>>> by myself. That was a bit weird to me.
>> >>>
>> >>> I wouldn't do that on my own either.
>> >>>
>> >> You need to get out more often, too. Maybe you and Gary can hold hands
>> >> and comfort each other when you next visit a restaurant.
>> >>
>> >> I don't get this squeamishness for eating alone in a restaurant. Are y'all
>> >> terrified someone is going to look at you? Or embarrassed to be alone
>> >> at a restaurant? Do you think the world will view you as losers since you
>> >> don't have a dining partner?
>> >
>> > I should maybe clarify... When I said that eating alone in a
>> > restaurant is a bit weird to me, I wasn't saying it's weird
>> > for others to do that. Just weird for ME to do that. It's a
>> > personal thing. No need to get your feathers ruffled and get
>> > defensive.
>> >
>> Time for you to call women who have dined out alone without feeling
>> uncomfortable "princesses".
>
>Only 2 princesses here. Julie that admits it and you that denies
>it.
>Remind me to send you a pea for your mattress next christmas.
>
>As far a dining out alone in a restaurant, I'm not surprised that
>you and Joan do it. That's your only choice.

I'll eat alone at counter service luncheonette/diner type joints but
at fancy restaurants that are filled with people eating at tables with
family and friends I don't need to be a spectacle for them to ogle.

On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>
> Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>
<eye roll>

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:54:21 -0400, Gary > wrote:

" wrote:
>> I haven't been to Hardee's since George Junior was president.
>
>Don't know about Hardee's today but back then, they sold a
>very excellent fried chicken. (8 piece box)
>
>They also had a burger "fixin's bar." That bar had
>everything you could think of. Buy a plain hamburger
>and turn it into a mini Whopper+.

That's the original Burger King "have it your way"... for the price of
one 19¢ burger you could fix a giant salad and go back for more.

On 8/17/2020 12:51 PM, Gary wrote:
> dsi1 wrote:
>>
>> Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>>> When the kids were grown and gone, we were able to eat out more often
>>> and in better places.
>>
>> Why yes, I can't wait to ditch those stinkin' kids.
>> Then we can have fun, fun, fun,
>> and do whatever the hell we want!
>
> If you *really* want to do whatever the hell you want,
> once the kids leave, get rid of the wife and all pets
> too.
>
> Only THEN can you truly do what you want.
> Trust me, it's true.
>
> Only in the past 4 years have I experienced true freedom.
> I'm still enjoying it.
>
You have to get rid of the job too. If you have to earn a living you
still have obligations.

It is nice to have no obligations though. Just like my recent trip.
When I left, I had no idea when I would be back. When asked to stay a
few more days, sure, no problem.

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:54:55 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>Individuals have their own responsibility. Learn to use your
>own head. Too often now, people don't do that but when the
>shit hits the fan they immediately try to pass the blame for
>their own failures.
>
>I remember way back (before the pandemic), the Chinese had the
>virus there and were letting people fly home anyway. The only
>check at airports was checking temperatures to find sick
>people.
>
>Stupid and I said that back then. With a virus, one can be
>infected and even contagious several days before they get
>sick.
>
>Learned that first-hand one year. I worked with a sick guy
>all day one Friday. I was fine until Sunday evening then I
>got very sick and lost a week of work. If I was smart,
>I would have gone right home on that Friday and only
>lost one day of work. The boss did that.
>
>Bottom line. Don't blame others for your own failures.
>That's what so many do these days.

Blame Others For Your Own Failures should be the name of Trump's
autobiography.

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 12:34:14 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>cshenk wrote:
>> Most Americans don't eat out but once a month if that (Hawaii might be
>> the exception per dsi1). The difference only kicks in with lunch and
>> work habits. That one might result in a drive-through sort of spot as
>> much as 5 times a week. A trucker on the road might as well.
>
>Truck stops offer very very good food. Not made by chefs but by
>people that know how to cook well like in diners.
>
>People other that truckers should check one out if there
>is one nearby.

Industry meat. Truckers don't care. If it fits, they'll eat it.

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 11:16:34 -0400, Sheldon Martin >
wrote:

>On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 22:28:51 +1000, Bruce > wrote:
>
>>On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:12:30 -0400, Sheldon Martin >
>>wrote:
>>
>>>On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 02:57:51 -0700 (PDT), Cindy Hamilton
> wrote:
>>>
>>>>On Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 6:35:28 PM UTC-4, Bruce wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> >Please let me know if I'm assuming too much. If you ask me, I'd say your promiscuous fantasizing is a sign of rapidly approaching dotage. Why make up such narratives?
>>>>> In Australian motels, you get a few tea bags, some instant coffee and
>>>>> the option to boil water. Isn't that all you need for instant coffee?
>>>>> I mean, do you need a coffee maker for instant coffee?
>>>>
>>>>Most American motels have automatic drip coffee makers. And shitty coffee to put in them.
>>>>When we traveled, we always brought our own coffee.
>>>>
>>>>Cindy Hamilton
>>>
>>>I always brought my own coffee too, and my travel kitchen contains a 4
>>>cup plastic Sunbeam electric perculator... years ago motel rooms
>>>didn't have ADCs, instead they'd send you across the road to some
>>>Dive.
>>
>>You're of the Anglo generation that thinks strong tea is coffee.
>
>Pay attention, I've said many times that I don't drink tea/pond water.

I never said you drink tea.

On 2020-08-17 2:21 p.m., Bruce wrote:
> On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:54:55 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>
>> Individuals have their own responsibility. Learn to use your
>> own head. Too often now, people don't do that but when the
>> shit hits the fan they immediately try to pass the blame for
>> their own failures.
>>
>> I remember way back (before the pandemic), the Chinese had the
>> virus there and were letting people fly home anyway. The only
>> check at airports was checking temperatures to find sick
>> people.
>>
>> Stupid and I said that back then. With a virus, one can be
>> infected and even contagious several days before they get
>> sick.
>>
>> Learned that first-hand one year. I worked with a sick guy
>> all day one Friday. I was fine until Sunday evening then I
>> got very sick and lost a week of work. If I was smart,
>> I would have gone right home on that Friday and only
>> lost one day of work. The boss did that.
>>
>> Bottom line. Don't blame others for your own failures.
>> That's what so many do these days.
>
> Blame Others For Your Own Failures should be the name of Trump's
> autobiography.
>
But he can't write!

On 2020-08-17 4:38 p.m., graham wrote:
> On 2020-08-17 2:21 p.m., Bruce wrote:
>> On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:54:55 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>
>>> Individuals have their own responsibility. Learn to use your
>>> own head. Too often now, people don't do that but when the
>>> shit hits the fan they immediately try to pass the blame for
>>> their own failures.
>>>
>>> I remember way back (before the pandemic), the Chinese had the
>>> virus there and were letting people fly home anyway. The only
>>> check at airports was checking temperatures to find sick
>>> people.
>>>
>>> Stupid and I said that back then. With a virus, one can be
>>> infected and even contagious several days before they get
>>> sick.
>>>
>>> Learned that first-hand one year. I worked with a sick guy
>>> all day one Friday. I was fine until Sunday evening then I
>>> got very sick and lost a week of work. If I was smart,
>>> I would have gone right home on that Friday and only
>>> lost one day of work. The boss did that.
>>>
>>> Bottom line. Don't blame others for your own failures.
>>> That's what so many do these days.
>>
>> Blame Others For Your Own Failures should be the name of Trump's
>> autobiography.
>>
> But he can't write!

In his defense.... if he is careful he can colour between the lines.

On 2020 Aug 16, , cshenk wrote
(in >):

> They also have a unique American dip for your corn
> tortillas based in a sort of white sauce that has since migrated to
> Mexico and is very popular there. Developed here though right in my
> area!

Lemme guess? Pace Picante or another salsa with mayo or sour cream? It may
not be, but I might try it. Thanks for the idea. Theres nothing in my
guess that Id hate, I dont think. Stay tuned.

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 09:44:27 -0400, Sheldon Martin wrote:

> On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 02:54:54 -0700 (PDT), Cindy Hamilton
> > wrote:
>
>>No, it doesn't. Although I recognize that excellent food (especially
>>ethnic) can be had at modest eateries, high end always means
>>expensive and fancy. Like this place in VA Beach:
>>
>><https://www.terrapinvb.com/>
>
> A terrapin is a turtle.

OK, who let the Fischer Price See 'n Say in here?

<boggle>

-sw

On Mon, 17 Aug 2020 09:35:38 -0400, Sheldon Martin wrote:

> for the price they
> charge for two weak mixed drinks I can buy a 1 1/2 liter bottle of
> Crystal Palace at the package store in town...

That's interesting how you inflate the worth, size, and weight of
everything you brag about. But you shorted the size of the alcohol
bottles you drink - they're 1.75 liters.

Somebody has a drinking problem and is in denial.

-sw

cshenk wrote:
> Favorite place that might be a little Al-a-cart-ish? Subway. I like
> the ability to select what I want on my sub.

Here's another good one to try, Carol.

The Harris Teeter (grocery store) deli.
Very good price and often on sale.
On sale every Sunday (if they still do that), otherwise
goes on sale all week occasionally.
$3.99 for a foot long.
Regular price is $6.99 (or 5.99)

They use Boar's Head meat and cheese and offer many toppings.
I always ask for an italian sub (which tells them what meat)
then add all the optional ingredients...all of them.

It's a feast!

" wrote:
>
> Gary wrote:
> > I should maybe clarify... When I said that eating alone in a
> > restaurant is a bit weird to me, I wasn't saying it's weird
> > for others to do that. Just weird for ME to do that. It's a
> > personal thing. No need to get your feathers ruffled and get
> > defensive.
> >
> I understood you perfectly the first time. You're scared to eat alone in
> a restaurant as someone might look at you and wonder if you're a loser is
> why you don't have a dining companion.

You're speculating and gossiping again, Joan. That guess
came from your own mind. Is that how you feel? Why so hostile
here often?

I just won't sit alone to eat in a restaurant or even at
home. It's boring.
My dining room table is only for when others are here.

If I buy something when I'm out and not going right home
I like to sit alone in my van and eat. Different strokes...

cshenk wrote:
>
> Yeah. For me, most 'frequent' fast food place is KFC. Been there
> twice this year.

I still do like KFC but it's been at least 5 years since I've
been. I like the "original" kind.

My favorite purchase is the 2-piece meal.
Always a drum and a thigh (my favorite parts)
One side and one biscuit.

I buy 2 of them and differ the sides.
So I come home with:
- 2 drums
- 2 thighs
- one mashed potato and gravy
- one coleslaw
- 2 biscuits.

I'll eat a drum and thigh, both sides and a biscuit.
Another drum, thigh and biscuit for another snack.

Anytime I order out for take home or make my own meals,
I always get enough for more than one meal.

" wrote:
>
> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
> >
> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
> >
> <eye roll>

Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?

Sheldon Martin wrote:
>
> Packet dressing is exactly the same as bottled dressing, either from
> the same dressing companies. Only it takes longer to get all the
> dressing out of plastic bottles, unless like me you use a knife to
> sllce the plastic bottle in half and use a rubber spatula to scrape
> out the last dregs, I do that with plastic mustard bottles too... I
> get enough for two or three more sandwiches. Mustard is thick so
> won't run down when the plastic squeeze bottle is turned upside down
> like ketchup does.

I must be very wasteful. I've never sliced a mustard bottle
in half to get the extra.


> Glass jars once had wide mouths so it was easy to
> scrape out the last bit but now most all containers are plastic
> bottles with narrow necks.

I've got a tall 32oz jar of mayo now only about 1/3 full.
Unless you are very careful, you get "rim mayo" on the
handle which gets on your hand. Annoying. haha

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:

" wrote:
>>
>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>> >
>> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>> >
>> <eye roll>
>
>Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?

I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
holiday on my own, but I've never done that.

Bruce wrote:
> I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
> holiday on my own, but I've never done that.

Back in the day when I was 35-45 I would go occasionally
to my favorite "surfer's bar" alone. Even then, I was
old for that one. Most patrons were in their 20's.

That wasn't to pick up (too young) women though. I just liked
the atmosphere. Very good and loud music and many monitors
showing surfing videos. I also knew the owner and the music
man.

Just a fun place to go for a few beers. You couldn't even
talk to anyone unless you yelled into their ear.

I would go there again someday but I doubt they would even
let me in at age 67. Old people seem to like quiet boring
bars. I won't do that.

That's just another sad thing about being old. Now I'm too
old for my favorite kind of bar.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 5:50:24 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>
> " wrote:
> >
> > I understood you perfectly the first time. You're scared to eat alone in
> > a restaurant as someone might look at you and wonder if you're a loser is
> > why you don't have a dining companion.
>
> You're speculating and gossiping again, Joan. That guess
> came from your own mind. Is that how you feel? Why so hostile
> here often?
>
Gossiping? Who am I gossiping to? Hostile? What's hostile about making
an observation?
>
> I just won't sit alone to eat in a restaurant or even at
> home. It's boring.
> My dining room table is only for when others are here.
>
Who do you eat with at home?
>
> If I buy something when I'm out and not going right home
> I like to sit alone in my van and eat. Different strokes...
>
Alone.

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:

" wrote:
>>
>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>> >
>> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>> >
>> <eye roll>
>
>Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?

Joanne probably rarely eats out.

I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...
very few decent eaterys cater to singles... if I'm alone I'd go to a
tavern and eat at the bar. A lot of people eat at a restaurant's bar,
very common at beachfront areas. NYC is essentially all beachfront,
with many seafood eateries, probably more than anywhere else on the
planet. People on their own aren't the least bit put off sitting on a
barstool, ordering a drink and the seafood special of the day. I'd
very often go to a tavern on Fire Island, sit at the bar, order a
drink and a dozen cherrystones. I never felt out of place on my own
slurping clams on the half shell in that venue.

Sheldon Martin wrote:
>
> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>
> " wrote:
> >>
> >> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
> >> >
> >> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
> >> >
> >> <eye roll>
> >
> >Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>
> Joanne probably rarely eats out.
>
> I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
> then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
> next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...
> very few decent eaterys cater to singles... if I'm alone I'd go to a
> tavern and eat at the bar. A lot of people eat at a restaurant's bar,
> very common at beachfront areas. NYC is essentially all beachfront,
> with many seafood eateries, probably more than anywhere else on the
> planet. People on their own aren't the least bit put off sitting on a
> barstool, ordering a drink and the seafood special of the day. I'd
> very often go to a tavern on Fire Island, sit at the bar, order a
> drink and a dozen cherrystones. I never felt out of place on my own
> slurping clams on the half shell in that venue.

I agree with you. Sitting at a counter on a bar stool is fine.
That's why they offer that...for singles. I'd still order and
eat outside in my van but a lunch counter is acceptable.

The tables are for 2 or more people and singles shouldn't sit
there if possible.

Sadly those lunch counters are pretty much a thing of the
past and a memory now. Last time I ate at one was many
years ago and it was old school. I ordered a burger and
fries and a coke.

For the drink, he took an official Coke glass, pumped some
syrup into it then added carbonated water. Then it was
stirred together with a long handled spoon. Interesting.

I do miss some of the "good ol days"

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 9:51:05 AM UTC-4, Gary wrote:
> Sheldon Martin wrote:
> >
> > On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
> >
> > " wrote:
> > >>
> > >> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
> > >> >
> > >> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
> > >> >
> > >> <eye roll>
> > >
> > >Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
> >
> > Joanne probably rarely eats out.
> >
> > I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
> > then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
> > next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...

Sure, 40 years ago. Nowadays they give single diners the same courtesy
that they extend to everybody else.

> > very few decent eaterys cater to singles... if I'm alone I'd go to a
> > tavern and eat at the bar. A lot of people eat at a restaurant's bar,
> > very common at beachfront areas. NYC is essentially all beachfront,
> > with many seafood eateries, probably more than anywhere else on the
> > planet. People on their own aren't the least bit put off sitting on a
> > barstool, ordering a drink and the seafood special of the day. I'd
> > very often go to a tavern on Fire Island, sit at the bar, order a
> > drink and a dozen cherrystones. I never felt out of place on my own
> > slurping clams on the half shell in that venue.
> I agree with you. Sitting at a counter on a bar stool is fine.
> That's why they offer that...for singles. I'd still order and
> eat outside in my van but a lunch counter is acceptable.
>
> The tables are for 2 or more people and singles shouldn't sit
> there if possible.

Oh, please. Who are you to say I shouldn't sit at a table?

My regular lunch spot puts me at a two-top or in the winter if I ask to be
farther from the door they give me a booth that could seat four. They've
got a bar but I've never seen anybody sitting at it.

<https://mediterrano.com/>

Cindy Hamilton

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 21:33:40 +1000, Bruce > wrote:

>On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>
" wrote:
>>>
>>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>>> >
>>> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>>> >
>>> <eye roll>
>>
>>Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>
>I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
>holiday on my own, but I've never done that.

Sounds like someone has a leash on you.

On 8/18/2020 6:19 AM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>
>> " wrote:
>>>
>>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>>>>
>>> <eye roll>
>>
>> Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>
> Joanne probably rarely eats out.
>
> I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
> then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
> next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...
> very few decent eaterys cater to singles... if I'm alone I'd go to a
> tavern and eat at the bar. A lot of people eat at a restaurant's bar,
> very common at beachfront areas. NYC is essentially all beachfront,
> with many seafood eateries, probably more than anywhere else on the
> planet. People on their own aren't the least bit put off sitting on a
> barstool, ordering a drink and the seafood special of the day. I'd
> very often go to a tavern on Fire Island, sit at the bar, order a
> drink and a dozen cherrystones. I never felt out of place on my own
> slurping clams on the half shell in that venue.
>



"NYC is essentially all beachfront"

Seriously - someone needs to compile all these gems!

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:19:01 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>Sheldon Martin wrote:
>>
>> Packet dressing is exactly the same as bottled dressing, either from
>> the same dressing companies. Only it takes longer to get all the
>> dressing out of plastic bottles, unless like me you use a knife to
>> sllce the plastic bottle in half and use a rubber spatula to scrape
>> out the last dregs, I do that with plastic mustard bottles too... I
>> get enough for two or three more sandwiches. Mustard is thick so
>> won't run down when the plastic squeeze bottle is turned upside down
>> like ketchup does.
>
>I must be very wasteful. I've never sliced a mustard bottle
>in half to get the extra.
>
>> Glass jars once had wide mouths so it was easy to
>> scrape out the last bit but now most all containers are plastic
>> bottles with narrow necks.
>
>I've got a tall 32oz jar of mayo now only about 1/3 full.
>Unless you are very careful, you get "rim mayo" on the
>handle which gets on your hand. Annoying. haha

All the quart mayo jars I see are now plastic and have a wide mouth,
very easy to take how much you want neatly. I have a collection of
different sized rubber spatulas, only they are not rubber anymore, now
they are silicone... many times I grab a butter knife, makes it easy
to spread on bread.

On 8/18/2020 10:25 AM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 21:33:40 +1000, Bruce > wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>
>>> " wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>>>>>
>>>> <eye roll>
>>>
>>> Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>>
>> I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
>> holiday on my own, but I've never done that.
>
> Sounds like someone has a leash on you.
>
I have a few times years ago but not something I'm interested in doing
on a regular basis. I get no pleasure sitting by myself drinking. No
interest in becoming a "regular" at the corner bar.

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:37:12 -0700, Taxed and Spent
> wrote:

>On 8/18/2020 6:19 AM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
>> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>
>>> " wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>>>>>
>>>> <eye roll>
>>>
>>> Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>>
>> Joanne probably rarely eats out.
>>
>> I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
>> then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
>> next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...
>> very few decent eaterys cater to singles... if I'm alone I'd go to a
>> tavern and eat at the bar. A lot of people eat at a restaurant's bar,
>> very common at beachfront areas. NYC is essentially all beachfront,
>> with many seafood eateries, probably more than anywhere else on the
>> planet. People on their own aren't the least bit put off sitting on a
>> barstool, ordering a drink and the seafood special of the day. I'd
>> very often go to a tavern on Fire Island, sit at the bar, order a
>> drink and a dozen cherrystones. I never felt out of place on my own
>> slurping clams on the half shell in that venue.
>
>"NYC is essentially all beachfront"
>
>Seriously - someone needs to compile all these gems!

You've never seen a map of NYC.

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 11:09:35 -0400, Ed Pawlowski > wrote:

>On 8/18/2020 10:25 AM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
>> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 21:33:40 +1000, Bruce > wrote:
>>
>>> On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>>
>>>> " wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>>>>>>
>>>>> <eye roll>
>>>>
>>>> Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>>>
>>> I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
>>> holiday on my own, but I've never done that.
>>
>> Sounds like someone has a leash on you.
>>
>I have a few times years ago but not something I'm interested in doing
>on a regular basis. I get no pleasure sitting by myself drinking. No
>interest in becoming a "regular" at the corner bar.

This thread is about eating on one's own, not drinking... no need to
order a drink while sitting at a tavern bar. I haven't been to a bar
in many years either, however it's a good option for having a good
meal by oneself. These days I don't frequent restaurants at all. I
prefer to eat at home, occasionally I'll stop at a deli and do take
out... and then I'll eat while sitting on a bench at a town park or a
roadside rest stop. When I did a lot of traveling I prefered to shop
for a meal at a supermarket, far less chance of getting a sick stomach
than from strange eateries... why risk ruining your trip. Supermarkets
sell anything you'd eat at home; bread, cold cuts, cheese, fruit,
veggies for a salad, dressings, beverages of every kind. My usual
traveling breakfast was coffee, a couple bran muffins, and fresh
fruit. I always traveled with an ice chest, still there's an ice
chest in my car. I even traveled with a small grill and a sack of
charcoal, most roadside rest stops have a place for picnicing, even
have grills, many motels offer grills and picnic tables. I still have
my travel kitchen in a small duffle bag. My travel grill cost $2.99
at a John's Bargain Store.

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 05:51:27 -0700 (PDT), "
> wrote:

>On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 5:50:24 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>>
>> " wrote:
>> >
>> > I understood you perfectly the first time. You're scared to eat alone in
>> > a restaurant as someone might look at you and wonder if you're a loser is
>> > why you don't have a dining companion.
>>
>> You're speculating and gossiping again, Joan. That guess
>> came from your own mind. Is that how you feel? Why so hostile
>> here often?
>>
>Gossiping? Who am I gossiping to? Hostile? What's hostile about making
>an observation?
>>
>> I just won't sit alone to eat in a restaurant or even at
>> home. It's boring.
>> My dining room table is only for when others are here.
>>
>Who do you eat with at home?
>>
>> If I buy something when I'm out and not going right home
>> I like to sit alone in my van and eat. Different strokes...
>>
>Alone.

Most construction workers/tradesmen eat alone in their vehicle;
van/pick up truck, they prefer some quiet time away from their
co-workers... I would assume most house painters likewise. I have
tradesmen here quite often, for plumbling, electrical work, etc., even
had a painter do our metal barn roof with aluminized paint. They all
prefered to eat their lunch alone... and use the woods for a bathroom.
Where I worked we had a large lunchroom that would easily accomodate
fifty people, weather permitting mostly I'd eat lunch alone in my
vehicle... by lunch time I heard enough of last night's family drama.

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:54:38 -0400, Gary > wrote:

>Bruce wrote:
>> I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
>> holiday on my own, but I've never done that.
>
>Back in the day when I was 35-45 I would go occasionally
>to my favorite "surfer's bar" alone. Even then, I was
>old for that one. Most patrons were in their 20's.
>
>That wasn't to pick up (too young) women though. I just liked
>the atmosphere. Very good and loud music and many monitors
>showing surfing videos. I also knew the owner and the music
>man.
>
>Just a fun place to go for a few beers. You couldn't even
>talk to anyone unless you yelled into their ear.
>
>I would go there again someday but I doubt they would even
>let me in at age 67. Old people seem to like quiet boring
>bars. I won't do that.
>
>That's just another sad thing about being old. Now I'm too
>old for my favorite kind of bar.

When you reach my age (77) most all the people you knew from your
youth will be pushing up daiseys, odds are you'll have no one you knew
to go out for a drink. There are only three people still living who I
know from the past, one from the Navy is in a nursing home in CA, I
occasionally call his wife to find out how he's doing/if he's still
doing. One developed alzheimers and is in a special institution I can
call to find out if he's still doing but that's too depressing
speaking with the nurse, he no longer remembers me or anyone. The
third is my long time (50+ yrs) friend, a master electrition with his
sown business who only does planning and estimating, his son and three
others do the jobs. His eyes are gone, cateracts, and he's too chicken
to have the surgery, I'm tired of trying to convince him that mine
turned out to be a nothing. Everyone else I knew is long gone. At
this point besides my wife all the people I sort of socialize with are
my neighbors, all at least twenty years younger and busy with their
jobs and family.

On 8/18/2020 12:41 PM, Sheldon Martin wrote:

> Most construction workers/tradesmen eat alone in their vehicle;
> van/pick up truck, they prefer some quiet time away from their
> co-workers... I would assume most house painters likewise. I have
> tradesmen here quite often, for plumbling, electrical work, etc., even
> had a painter do our metal barn roof with aluminized paint. They all
> prefered to eat their lunch alone... and use the woods for a bathroom.
> Where I worked we had a large lunchroom that would easily accomodate
> fifty people, weather permitting mostly I'd eat lunch alone in my
> vehicle... by lunch time I heard enough of last night's family drama.
>

Usually had lunch with someone.
For 27 years I had lunch with the same person most every day. Another
would often join us at times. We're both retired but I still call her
once a week for an extended conversation.

On 2020-08-18 2:29 p.m., Ed Pawlowski wrote:
> On 8/18/2020 12:41 PM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
>
>> Most construction workers/tradesmen eat alone in their vehicle;
>> van/pick up truck, they prefer some quiet time away from their
>> co-workers... I would assume most house painters likewise.Â*Â* I have
>> tradesmen here quite often, for plumbling, electrical work, etc., even
>> had a painter do our metal barn roof with aluminized paint.Â* They all
>> prefered to eat their lunch alone... and use the woods for a bathroom.
>> Where I worked we had a large lunchroom that would easily accomodate
>> fifty people, weather permitting mostly I'd eat lunch alone in my
>> vehicle... by lunch time I heard enough of last night's family drama.
>>
>
> Usually had lunch with someone.
> For 27 years I had lunch with the same person most every day.Â* Another
> would often join us at times.Â* We're both retired but I still call her
> once a week for an extended conversation.


Me too. I had a summer job in construction and everyone ate together. I
worked for the same outfit for 28 years. I was on the road a lot.
Sometimes I packed a lunch and sometimes ate with the people I was
making deliveries to. When I was working with other crews we went out to
restaurants together. There was one guy on sign crew who always ate a
brown bagger lunch in the parking lot while the rest of us went to the
restaurant. We all thought he was a little odd to do that.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 8:19:29 AM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>
> Joanne probably rarely eats out.
>
Until this pandemic nonsense started I ate out at least once a week.
So your statement just got shot in the foot.
>
> I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
> then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
> next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...
> very few decent eaterys cater to singles.
>
If you don't like where they're trying to seat, you need to speak up. I've
done it more than once. And there is no such thing as "very few decent
eateries cater to singles." They cater to diners whether it's one person
or a group of twenty.
>
> if I'm alone I'd go to a
> tavern and eat at the bar. A lot of people eat at a restaurant's bar,
> very common at beachfront areas. NYC is essentially all beachfront,
> with many seafood eateries, probably more than anywhere else on the
> planet. People on their own aren't the least bit put off sitting on a
> barstool, ordering a drink and the seafood special of the day.
>
Here's where I would draw the line. I'm not a drinker and I don't want
my meals served to me nor do I want to eat sitting at the bar.
>
> I'd
> very often go to a tavern on Fire Island, sit at the bar, order a
> drink and a dozen cherrystones. I never felt out of place on my own
> slurping clams on the half shell in that venue.
>
I get it! At a bar there are so many people ordering drinks, coming and
going, no one would notice you are alone.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 8:51:05 AM UTC-5, Gary wrote:
>
> I agree with you. Sitting at a counter on a bar stool is fine.
> That's why they offer that...for singles. I'd still order and
> eat outside in my van but a lunch counter is acceptable.
>
The bar is for people who want to 'drink' their meal.
>
> The tables are for 2 or more people and singles shouldn't sit
> there if possible.
>
Now you are the restaurant police? "Move along. Don't even THINK you
are going to take up a table sitting by yourself."
>
> Sadly those lunch counters are pretty much a thing of the
> past and a memory now. Last time I ate at one was many
> years ago and it was old school. I ordered a burger and
> fries and a coke.
>
The only lunch counters I ever ate at were Woolworths, W. T. Grant, and
of course, the Krystal. For those unfamiliar with Krystal, think White
Castle.

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 9:15:04 AM UTC-5, Cindy Hamilton wrote:
>
> On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 9:51:05 AM UTC-4, Gary wrote:
>
> > Sheldon Martin wrote:
> > >
> > > I find it uncomfortable eating alone in a decent restaurant because
> > > then they seat you at a tiny out of the way table, usually in a corner
> > > next to the rest rooms, they make you feel like it's the dunce seat...
>
> Sure, 40 years ago. Nowadays they give single diners the same courtesy
> that they extend to everybody else.
>
Thank you, thank you kindly.
>
> > The tables are for 2 or more people and singles shouldn't sit
> > there if possible.
>
> Oh, please. Who are you to say I shouldn't sit at a table?
>
It appears that way.
>
> My regular lunch spot puts me at a two-top or in the winter if I ask to be
> farther from the door they give me a booth that could seat four. They've
> got a bar but I've never seen anybody sitting at it.
>
> <https://mediterrano.com/>
>
> Cindy Hamilton

On Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at 2:02:40 PM UTC-5, Dave Smith wrote:
>
> > On 8/18/2020 12:41 PM, Sheldon Martin wrote:
> >
> >> Most construction workers/tradesmen eat alone in their vehicle;
> >> van/pick up truck, they prefer some quiet time away from their
> >> co-workers... I would assume most house painters likewise.Â*Â* I have
> >> tradesmen here quite often, for plumbling, electrical work, etc., even
> >> had a painter do our metal barn roof with aluminized paint.Â* They all
> >> prefered to eat their lunch alone... and use the woods for a bathroom.
> >> Where I worked we had a large lunchroom that would easily accomodate
> >> fifty people, weather permitting mostly I'd eat lunch alone in my
> >> vehicle... by lunch time I heard enough of last night's family drama.
>
>
> Me too. I had a summer job in construction and everyone ate together. I
> worked for the same outfit for 28 years. I was on the road a lot.
> Sometimes I packed a lunch and sometimes ate with the people I was
> making deliveries to. When I was working with other crews we went out to
> restaurants together. There was one guy on sign crew who always ate a
> brown bagger lunch in the parking lot while the rest of us went to the
> restaurant. We all thought he was a little odd to do that.
>
I can't speak for all construction workers, but most of the ones I see
around here eat in a group. Many times they are sitting under a shade
tree eating their brown-bagged lunch. Sometimes they are sitting on a
rock wall or a foundation of a building. Of course, if it's raining they
will eat in their vehicles. Again, I cannot speak for all of them but
they do bring their lunch to save the expense of heading to a restaurant
and the traveling time.

On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 10:25:30 -0400, Sheldon Martin >
wrote:

>On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 21:33:40 +1000, Bruce > wrote:
>
>>On Tue, 18 Aug 2020 06:50:15 -0400, Gary > wrote:
>>
" wrote:
>>>>
>>>> On Monday, August 17, 2020 at 12:38:21 PM UTC-5, Sheldon wrote:
>>>> >
>>>> > Before I'd eat alone in a restaurant I'd do take out.
>>>> >
>>>> <eye roll>
>>>
>>>Why the eye roll? Why does that bother you?
>>
>>I've never gone to a bar on my own either. Maybe if I went on a
>>holiday on my own, but I've never done that.
>
>Sounds like someone has a leash on you.

When I was single, I didn't go to bars or restaurants on my own
either.