The 50 Plus Cafe, Pub, All-Nite Greasy Spoon and Dive Bar

Yes I have and you are correct. Now that I live alone, going out to eat (not expensive but family owned places) is a more viable option especially when I take left overs home.
I live part of the year in Spain, part of the year in UK/Ireland and travel a lot in Europe and North America.

My observation is that in Spain you can dine out quite comfortably 2 times a week. A glass of beer / wine is the same price as a soda and food is fresh, well prepared and a reasonable price. This is also true of Italy and parts of Germany and France if you focus on eateries for locals,

A similar meal in UK/Ireland may cost me 2-3 x as much particularly if I were to include a bottle of wine. Quality is more variable (particularly since Covid the level of cheffing seems to have dropped). And even a sandwich can cost €8.

US seemed to be good value in the past. SF is now eye-watering (but I’m mostly a tourist there so maybe I’m just in the wrong places). East Coast is also rising a lot. And of course, as a European sometimes those menu prices in the US look good but then come taxes and tipping (I do tip in Europe, but there’s not the same 20% expectations there)
 
I have eaten out a lot less in the past 12 months and have noticed it in my wallet. Ate out a few times when out of town last weekend and it shows on the card statement. Moderation in all things . . . .
 
We just had a 4.8 earthquake. Very unusual for New Jersey.

The epicenter was about 10 miles east of us. Whole house shook for about 20 seconds or so.

I guess those of you on the West Coast are more used to that. But it’s highly unusual for New Jersey.

Edited. Original reports for 5.2, but it was a 4.8.
 
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I guess those of you on the West Coast are more used to that. But it’s highly unusual for New Jersey.
News not reporting damages or injuries - at least not yet. Hope there's no structural impact at your place and all are well. Yes, my brother on the East Coast would be a bit blase about a 5.2 but I'm in the middle and it's pretty rare for us, too. So I'd be... shook up. 🤗🫂
nice cup of tea
would love a cuppa
dang it - gotta get back to work
thanks - carry on all
 
We just had a 5.2 earthquake. Very unusual for New Jersey.

The epicenter was about 10 miles east of us. Whole house shook for about 20 seconds or so.

I guess those of you on the West Coast are more used to that. But it’s highly unusual for New Jersey.



We had something similar in 2011 down this way. That was the one that caused damage to the Washington Monument. It was damned unusual!!!
 

It’s how I roll.

Few days go by where I don’t eat at a restaurant for at least one meal.

I’ve learned to cook a few things beyond grilled sandwiches, eggs and pancakes but I’d rather buy it.

Few things good came out of lockdowns but the one I like is restaurants to snooty to do take away before the pandemic are happy to now and you can order online.

While the cost of eating out may seem high; inflation has lowered faster in the U.S. than anywhere in the world, the economy is booming and employment is lower than before the pandemic.

You’re living in the new Golden Age, enjoy it while it lasts.
 
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