Replies About Dining Indoors
Man I really wanted to reply to EVERYONE but that got super long so it seems like there are a couple of strong contenders I thought I’d break down. First, there’s the experiential meal, which I hadn’t considered -- teppanyaki, korean bbq, brazilian steakhouse, all-you-can-eat, revolving sushi, dim sum. Food you either can’t get without going in and sitting down, or food where the experience of being present at the meal is really important. I think this may end up being how I go because I was very excited at the prospect of Korean BBQ. Which I didn’t even eat that often before the pandemic, but which was always a real treat when I did.
Then there’s the “leisure dining” faction -- people who are just so tired of not being able to sit somewhere with a cup of coffee, or linger after a meal to people-watch. I sorta thought of this one but only because there’s one McDonalds I like to go to for people-watching, and I figure the people-watching itself won’t be as good for a while yet anyway. Also a lot of people wanted to go somewhere they love and just be able to sit and soak up the atmosphere instead of running in for a sack of food and a quick wave at the line chef. I think this is a bit less vital for me because, living in a city with a lot of parks, I still can “linger” over my food -- I just have to do it outside. Which, admittedly, I didn’t get to do much of over the winter, but I think also it’s not really a priority for me.
I think a sibling to the leisure dining idea is people who just...really want to have a potluck or feed a gaming group or have friends over again. I’ve been super lucky to have had friends I could visit and eat with, especially friends who show their love by cooking, so fortunately I can cross that one off the post-pandemic bucket list. (What should we call that? A mask-it list?)
I think by far the majority of respondents want to go the “just isn’t as good after a car ride” route -- sizzling hot fajitas, warm fresh tortilla chips, bibimbab with rice that gets crispy at the edges, fish and chips, breakfast foods. I agree -- nothing worse than lukewarm eggs. But I think also there will be time for that, for me, especially since because I have food literally across the street, it hasn’t been as much of a problem. If I want hot fries I can get hot fries, as long as I pay the French Fry Tax and give the cryptids one to play with.
Lastly, there are the people who just aren’t comfortable with the idea yet and won’t be for a while -- and I want to say I think you guys are valid and I hope nobody tries to shame or pressure you. We are all at different levels of vulnerability, let alone comfort, and navigating this entirely new experience without really any guidelines. Stay safe and stay home and I hope when you finally do begin to feel okay with it, you’ll find something delicious to eat :)
And I did have a FEW replies....
memprime
For me it's going to be korean bbq
Have you got a go-to place? There’s one in the Chinatown plaza, on the second floor over the dessert place at the northern entrance, that does the best cheesy corn side dish, omg. But as Korean BBQ is a strong contender for me, I’m open to suggestions.
celticjade13
I actually ate indoors in March. My uncle took me out for my birthday. It was a fantastic Italian place in Lakeview. My go-to for a special occasion is Italian.
Oooh what was the place? Always looking for good Italian.
the-other-sandy
I'm aiming for something messy like dipped Italian beef or a meatball sub in a setting where I don't have to worry about dripping it on myself or my car upholstery. (I've mostly been eating takeout in my car on my lunch breaks.)
You know I hadn’t considered this but it’s true I would like to eat something where I don’t have to be the one washing the plate afterward. And also like...I don’t really eat at a dining table at home, I either eat in the kitchen or on the sofa, and it might be nice to be made to sit properly at table and have manners like I’m not some kind of monster.
rist-with-a-vahk
Our first meal out was option 2 (not as good after the drive home). I'd suggest against somewhere completely new because the anxiety and downright WEIRDNESS of eating indoors will likely overshadow the experience.
This is actually some of the best advice I think that came out of the post. Going somewhere familiar so you’re not anxious about the pandemic AND the experience is a really good idea, thank you!
