eating out vrs. cooking in

[Barkely]

I work for my in laws in their concession trailer sometimes in the summer. They are very neat and keep things in order, but I see other trailers around them, and really start to notice things. There are so many things that can be done incorrectly and the consumer would never know. It makes me think twice before I eat out these days, especially at a festival or carnival. I still eat out, but always pay attention to cleanliness of the establishment, at least what I can see of it. I also pay attention to how the staff handles the food, and what they do when they think no one is looking.

[Mama Mangia]

Barkely - isn't funny how once you start to work in the food industry you can see a lot and notice more than if you weren't working in the industry.

A couple years ago we had a terrible outbreak from a carnival - the cause - the rain water from filthy and rusty rain spouts was making its way into the water that was being used by the food trailers. A year after that is was the well water that they were using that was no good. So many ended up in the hospital. It's so scary! Normally you would not think of these things. Many consumers think that just because a food service worker is wearing plastic gloves all is well. Not so!!

[Barkely]

Yes, it definately makes you think. You hear more about what some people do, and you see their behind the scene habits. My sister worked for a restaurant for a few years, and I won't mention the name because it is a chain. They had several issues at that particular restaurant, and I always wondered if it was just that restaurant or the whole chain.
I think it has all made me much pickier about where I will eat at, but I still enjoy a good restaurant.

[r8rpwr]

Hmmm, maybe I will think twice before getting that corn dog at the State Fair next year.

Although, I get one every time I go (tradition!) and it hasn't killed me yet. I generally don't get skeeved out by this sort of thing, which might be good or it might be bad. I'm not a germaphobe, but then again you have to use good sense.

[clara]

As much as possible I try to eat at home. They are almost always the best tasting and the safest. I remember one time on the radio, a lady reporter went to this fastfood restaurant and was about to sip on her Coke when she saw a cockroach floating. She ended up suing the resto. Good restaurants nowadays are so expensive that you after a great eat and you see your check, you just ended up getting depressed LOL. But seriously, it's a good thing to eat out every once in a while, especially with a good company, good food and good conversation.

[pinkperson]

I prefer home-cooked meals because you could always cook the food to match your taste and you could develop your creativity too. Dining out is convenient if you live alone or if you simply don't have enough time to prepare your food but sometimes, you just don't get what you pay for and that's just frustrating.

[sarahlorrain]

We enjoy eating out, but I hate spending the money for it! For the money I spend for lunch for us, I could make dinner for 2-3 nights! Besides, if you don't go out to eat often, then when you do get to go; it seems like more of a treat!

[pinklife]

It depends upon the mood.:-).
We go out every week and eat outside but when it's rainy, i prefer to cook something special especially during sundays. Special day for family huh..

[Angewl_73]

We prefer eating out. The kids are always so picky. That way everyone gets something they want and cant complain about it because they picked it out!

[sweetnsour]

Tough choice!
I personally know that home cooking is better and I actually cook regularly but somehow I love dining out too. May be it's just the thrill of going out somewhere
coz actually if I put in my best, I end up cooking better than restaurants sometimes....lol!