The Common Culinarian

I went out for lunch today, because life got in the way of going to the grocery store this weekend and, unfortunately, hunger stops for no one, not even two weddings and monsoon-like downpouring of water (and the subsequent flooding that keeps people from getting home in a timely manner from said weddings).

And I must tell you, I’ve been fleeced. I knew the restaurant I chose was expensive, but I thought that, surely, a salad would not be terrible. After all, the components, while not as cheap as they once were, still are not very expensive and pound-for-pound, are much less expensive than other options.

$8.50 later, I am a little annoyed.  $8.50 paid for a half a tomato, two tablespoons of cheese, a quarter of a shredded carrot, a half a chicken breast, one crumbled strip of bacon, 1/4 head of lettuce, and 1/4 cup of dressing.

I don’t have solid figures to break this down for you, but I know I could have purchased enough raw materials to make at least 3-4 salads for that same price. From a boutique health food store.

Can you tell I’m annoyed? I’m going to the grocery tonight, and will probably buy these same components to have this same salad again later this week. And I’ll be able to eat 4 times for the amount of money it cost to eat just my lunch today.

Keep this perspective when you think about that dinner from Applebee’s or Friday’s you might order tonight.

—

So, Joseph from Louisville sent me an email asking me where I’ve been.

I’ve been horrible about writing for the last two months, but here’s why:

1. I’ve been extremely busy between work and personal commitments, and
2. I’m not immune to food price inflation, which leads to
3. I haven’t been cooking very much.
4. However, the item in number 2 some how hasn’t stopped me from going out to eat, which probably results from the item in number 1.
5. I also didn’t realize that I had enough of a fan following that someone would actually miss me (Thank you, Joseph!)

So, in short, I’ve been eating, but I haven’t been cooking very much. I do have a recipe I should share with you, and several food places to write about. And, now that I’m aware someone is paying attention, maybe that’ll light enough of a fire to post more frequently. Don’t expect a new recipe every day (when I started out, I didn’t realize how expensive, in both time and money, that kind of commitment would take), but I’ll make it a stated goal to do this at least once a week going forward.