Originally Posted by
Visconti
I'm one of those who missed restaurant dining. Not sure how long it was, but indoor dining was shut down for a very long time here in San Francisco, and I just don't like dining outdoors; the moment an insect flies around me, my appetite is out the window. And, food delivery doesn't do it for me either--a delivered steak isn't the same as one freshly served.
So, the moment Vegas opened up at or around Jan, I flew there weekly just to have my steaks. To my surprise, some whom I had thought I knew very well and have known for 20 years felt I was "insane." While not saying so directly, they intimated that my actions were reckless, selfish and putting "everyone" at risk, just because of my necessity to indulge in great steaks. Not that any of this deterred or mattered to me, but I was surprised by some of their views because I've known some of these people almost 20 years.
By the way, how are the Chicago steakhouses faring? I was very disappointed when David Burke's steakhouse officially closed for good.
I had a similar experience with a few people that surprised me. Although I'd say most of my friends were pretty rational. It was sometimes scary to see people rely on what I call "personal facts" to make decisions and then expect others to make decisions based on those same "personal facts" rather than true facts and data. I could tell lots of stories about the inconsistencies I observed.
As far as I'm aware, the steak houses have survived pretty well. I just read an article about Gene & Georgetti's and Gibson's last weekend. And I read another (forget the name) is opening soon. I think most of your favorites will still be here when you come!
Originally Posted by
braslvr
I am in complete agreement with you about dining outdoors. It's fine for a summer potluck by the pool, or a quick burger at the drive-in burger joint, but if given a choice, I'll always take indoors. Insects suck too, but the minute the breeze carries my napkin off the table, I'm pissed. As far as carry out goes, fast food or pizza is OK, but we never once had regular restaurant food to go during any part of the lockdown. We never do at any time. **We did eat out many times under tents which were kind of like dining indoors- no wind, and that was tolerable, barely.
Maybe it's just living in the cold midwest, but I love dining outdoors when it's nice enough. I'll choose that every time on a nice summer day. But like you, I wouldn't order regular food for takeout, most just doesn't travel well. Fast food, pizza, Chinese, there are a few more - they work because time and money has been invested in making them being "to-go" foods. We did try regular food a couple times when even outdoor dining was closed a year ago. Once was a failure. The other was tolerable but just not as good.