The Restaurant Trap

If Americans didn’t already have issues with eating out so much, now we can have it delivered to us so we can eat in. I was watching a short on YouTube. It seems like influencers that ‘make there own money’ say they don’t have time to cook or travel too much. So the solution is to have a food delivery service bring them something. Full disclosure, I have not tried to have a meal delivered to me. I feel like it’s a convenience of something I shouldn’t be eating anyway (and over spending on food). I understand there may be healthy options available. However, with me struggling with my weight my whole life and trying to keep a budget for five on my average income, it just never seemed to be a smart move.

Anyway, I feel that more of this convenience is hurting our society. No longer is it a treat to go out with friends or family to celebrate or connect about something. We’re eating out for the convenience of it. Not taking into consideration many of the issues of the day our communities are struggling with. Just to name a few, obesity, socializing, increase in the cost of living with our budgets, the extra waste from carry out packaging rather than using reusable plates and utensils, and others. In my opinion, these things are what’s creating more of a divide in this country from a human interaction stand point. We just want something that taste good and quick, not worrying about what the the restaurant put in the food or how it was prepared to save corporate companies money! This is the microwave mentality at its finest.

The health aspect is horrible, as we all know. But, If i crave something, with all the chemicals out here, what am I really craving? I watched a Netflix special where they were using altered molecules from different things and calling it ‘natural flavor’ on the product we consume. Even though it was not from what we would think is the natural source. Orange flavor, not from oranges. Apple flavor, not from apples. yet all these things were enhanced to make us crave them. If they could do that with drinks, how do we know it’s not in the foods we so desperately crave. We know Asian restaurants are not afraid to enhance flavor with MSG. How do we know what these other money making companies will not do to keep us craving and coming back for their food?

Even if you can find a deal on a meal, you need to tip everybody on top of that. Don’t get me wrong, I tip and I’m happy to tip well for attentive service. My usual starting tip is 20%, unless the service was horrible. And I want to say, that since covid, it seems like the service industry has really not been the same. I don’t like ordering out much; because it feels like I have to do what I thought I was paying for. I need to know the menu and all side dishes, how I want it, condiments to accompany the meal and check that I received the correct order… I did everything but cook it! I literally went out for some wings a few days ago, ONLY ordered eight boneless and got bone-in! I digress.

Now, I’m not about to stop going to my local favorites any time soon. However, I am being mindful that they need us to make profit and frequent the place to prosper. If you enjoy a certain place, maybe just make sure the waiter isn’t knowing more about you, than you do. make sure the delivery guy, doesn’t know if your home or not.

In conclusion, It’s definitely a blessing to be in a place where we have food in abundance. As Americans we must keep in mind that capitalism is running our lives. If they can get us to hand every dollar over, they will. So unfortunately, the targeting advertisements, placements of restaurants and now convenience of anything we want delivered; lets realize if we want this out of choice, or are we being given addictive drugs and dopamine effects from having these conveniences? Now we are in an inner city Trap House. Just the way I look at it. Lets help each other be better!