[jblum315]

That's why I'm suspicious of charming little eateries with BIG menus. Because you know they could not possibly even keep all those ingredients in stock, much less prepare them to order. I once got fried fish in some little New England inn that was frozen in the middle. I sent it back and the replacement was the same fish microwaved.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Bonny

I have some friends that order a lot from Schwans.

Key Lime Pie is a Florida "treat" which we fell in love with years ago while
vacationing on Sanibel Island.......and eating at The Bubble Room on Captiva Island.

Well, Schwan's Key Lime Pie is great.....not too tart; not too sweet.
Just right. Nice to have in the freezer for unexpected company.
Or for yourselves.

No baking. Just thaw.

Their lemon pie is also good....again, just thaw.
But to me, it's a bit too SWEET. But the guys like it.
Just cut it into "slivers"....as it is rich.

But, I do prefer the Key Lime Pie.
I have made them myself over the years.
Schwans is just as good.

We use Schwans mainly for their French baguettes and French rolls.
Their rolls are good as a dinner roll warm out of the oven.
We've even used them for hamburger rolls.

I also like their Live Smart Broccoli florettes..... which come in small mircrowaveable packets. No sauce. Just baby broccoli.

Perfect to add to a pasta dish......or a salad....or just eat as is.

Vegetables are so perishable.......so to have something frozen that is good, is great.

Recently I tried their shrimp scampi. My husband LOVED it.
He said it was restaurant quality. He would give it a high rating.
You can serve it over pasta or over rice. I have made it from scratch.
This is just as good. I would think there would be some "additives in it".
Do not have the package anymore.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by jblum315

That's why I'm suspicious of charming little eateries with BIG menus. Because you know they could not possibly even keep all those ingredients in stock, much less prepare them to order. I once got fried fish in some little New England inn that was frozen in the middle. I sent it back and the replacement was the same fish microwaved.

You said it. I agree. We can buy Gorton's fish in the supermarket if that's what we want....frozen in the middle.

Next time you are in New England, eat right out on the piers where the boats come in.....and the fish will be fried up fresh. A world of difference.

I'm still missing my daily fried haddock dinner which was piping hot, the best breading and moist white haddock.....delicious. Ditto for the Maine lobster. We saw the college kids cutting it up after taking it out of the shells (to use in lobster bisque, etc.)......while the live lobsters were cooked upon order. Sad for the lobsters, for sure.

Innkeepers are lovely folks.......the new innkeepers at the place I mentioned are a young couple with a baby. We've brought our now grown up extended family there for celebrations..........once it was good and the last time not so good........it did taste like they made it all ahead and then warmed it. Like our own two day or three day old leftovers would be. O.K. for at home.....but when you are paying to eat out, no so much.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by Russ_Boston

Ditto.

Full time and also work 3 days per week. Not just healthier but better I think. But maybe 1 every other week we go out with neighbors/friends for the social aspect. Maybe 1 a week for quick foods (subway etc.). Obviously if we have guests over we go out more.

Now, Subway is one fast food place I do like.

The one in our town is very popular and everything is REALLY FRESH.

I always enjoy their double turkey with double lettuce and spinach with plain vinaigrette. Hubby likes the Italian sub with the works.....plus all kinds of fattening meats.

[jbdlfan]

We live here fulltime but rarely eat out. In our opinion, it's just not worth it. The only place we consistently go any more is offsite. We've been disappointed way too many times. There are very few meals that we can't make at home better than any eatery around here.

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by jbdlfan

We live here fulltime but rarely eat out. In our opinion, it's just not worth it. The only place we consistently go any more is offsite. We've been disappointed way too many times. There are very few meals that we can't make at home better than any eatery around here.

I agree. So, the marketing tactic on the TV video about everyone's "kitchen being closed" is a stretch??? It doesn't appear to be so. Perhaps 50/50?
Some prefer their own home cooking while others enjoy dining out often.

We do enjoy eating out when we have extended visitors for a long period.
Then, I need a "break". Or, of course, when on vacation. But at home, one knows exactly what they are putting into their own meals.

Let's face it, we've all fallen back on some prepared food items every now and then.........when we are super busy with other more important things, but to put together a totally natural meal.....is really worthwhile. Plus there is always the leftovers.

[LeeM]

Originally Posted by lovsthosebigdogs

I also don't go out to eat very often but for me it's an opportunity to eat all those things I won't or can't make at home. Frequently it's something terrible for my health. I try to eat healthy most of the time and only go out to eat maybe once a month so it's a splurge. When we have friends over they want to go all the time so I guess if when I get to TV that becomes a more frequent social time for me I will have to change that habit to better choices eating out. However, I did talk my husband into our model of home because of the kitchen so if I give up cooking I may be in BIG trouble!!

I eat out all the time. I really do need to make better choices also.