On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:


> If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
>
> cooks aren't using.

Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public. Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the staff.

On 11/18/2013 4:22 PM, Kalmia wrote:
> On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:
>
>
>> If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
>>
>> cooks aren't using.
>
> Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public.
> Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the
staff.

I don't know what the odds are that there's a nice clean bathroom
back somewhere that the staff uses, but I don't know if I can
suspend reality and believe that when I find a dirty customer
bathroom.

In other words, I just assume this is the bathroom they likely use.

nancy

On 11/18/2013 4:37 PM, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 11/18/2013 4:22 PM, Kalmia wrote:
>> On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:
>>
>>
>>> If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
>>>
>>> cooks aren't using.
>>
>> Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public.
> > Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the
> staff.
>
> I don't know what the odds are that there's a nice clean bathroom
> back somewhere that the staff uses, but I don't know if I can
> suspend reality and believe that when I find a dirty customer
> bathroom.
>
> In other words, I just assume this is the bathroom they likely use.

Adding: Especially since I usually see that mandatory Staff Must
Wash Their Hands sign there.

nancy

In article >,
says...
>
> On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:
>
>
> > If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
> >
> > cooks aren't using.
>
> Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public. Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the staff.

Yes; but they will usually share the same cleaner.

Janet

wrote:

> On Sunday, November 17, 2013 5:18:35 PM UTC-8, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
> > "
>
> > >extent do you check out a place?
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > want any male servers, I don't want to be served by my brother at home
>
> >
>
> > so I'm not going to be served by some male who can't do better than a
>
> >
>
> > faggot job... I wouldn't be able to eat, male servers make me wretch.
>
>
>
> This is so offensive not only to the *** community, but also to all the male waiters out there.
>
>
>
> You are so out of it that you don't get it.
>
>
>
> Often I wonder why people respond to you, and now I am one of them.
>
>
>
> No, I am not a newbie, have been here a long time (I remember Buffy and her friend) and have heard your funny, old, haha jokes, but some things just shouldn't be let go.
>
>
>
> Let's hear your 'clever' retort.


I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...I mean some peeps REALLY need to get a sense of humor...


--
Best
Greg

On Monday, November 18, 2013 4:16:02 PM UTC-5, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:35:25 -0500, "Steve Freides" >
>
> wrote:
>
>
>
> >Kalmia wrote:
>
> >> I spoke with someone who says he always orders a coke at the bar,
>
> >> peruses the menu etc before ordering food. Says he like to see how
>
> >> clean the place seems, whether the coke's glass is spotless and so
>
> >> on.
>
> >>
>
> >> I guess I am rather trusting, as I have never thought to do this. To
>
> >> what extent do you check out a place?
>
> >
>
> >Is his fear getting sick from the food? The glasses aren't always
>
> >spotless at our house but they won't make you ill, either. And I don't
>
> >drink soda and neither does my wife.
>
> >
>
> >I don't check out a place at all - if we've decided to go somewhere,
>
> >it's often on the recommendation of friends. If it's not, e.g., we're
>
> >on the road, we'll just look in the window and/or at the menu and
>
> >decide, and that's the end of it.
>
>
>
> On a sight seeing road trip I much prefer buying my meals at a large
>
> chain supermarket... testing restaurants on a road trip is Russian
>
> roulette... it's too easy to contract a food borne illness at a
>
> strange eatery along a main interstate that mostly caters to tourists
>
> that neither will ever meet again. And I'd much rather a stupidmarket
>
> deli than a fast food joint. Delis have pretty decent hot and cold
>
> foods, that they typically prepare right in front of your eyes...
>
> before I'll wait on line at a strange restaurant I'll take a number at
>
> a deli.

You're not fooling anybody, catlady. You're just a cheap-ass ****er. If you think food safety is better at a supermarket deli, you have shit for brains.

On 11/18/2013 3:16 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On a sight seeing road trip I much prefer buying my meals at a large
> chain supermarket... testing restaurants on a road trip is Russian
> roulette... it's too easy to contract a food borne illness at a
> strange eatery along a main interstate that mostly caters to tourists
> that neither will ever meet again. And I'd much rather a stupidmarket
> deli than a fast food joint. Delis have pretty decent hot and cold
> foods, that they typically prepare right in front of your eyes...
> before I'll wait on line at a strange restaurant I'll take a number at
> a deli.

When we drive to Florida, we often buy sandwiches at Publix. Sometimes,
we'll stop at a Sam's Club and buy a pizza. Sometimes we stop at fast
food places but usually, we like to eat at local places if we have the
time and do a little homework.

On our recent road trip, we found two new places and one old favotite.

If you are ever in Mobile, Alabama, check out Dick Russell's BBQ
http://tinyurl.com/qb3tt5t We stopped there for breakfast and it was
excellent.

And if you are ever passing through Pensacola and like
Vietnamese food, stop at Tu Do... http://tudopensacola.com/ Order the
Pho (#99 on the menu) and thank me later! We ate there on a road trip a
few years ago and am glad to say that the food is still as good as we
remember.

The other new place we found was also in Pensacola, FL... Philly's
Cheesesteak and Hoagie http://www.phillysonline.com/ The cheesesteak
was very good and I liked the Italian sandwich but Becca thought it
needed more oil and vinegar. They make a big deal out of getting their
rolls from the Amaroso Bakery in Philadelphia.

AND... this is blasphemy coming from people who live in TX where every
town has at least 437 Mexican Restaurants... but one day we stopped for
a quick lunch at Taco Bell. We ordered the 12 pack of tacos for $10...
6 soft and 6 hard. They weren't terrible. They may not have been real
meat... but they made a passable, quick and cheap lunch. We couldn't eat
them all and were going to take the rest in the car for "later", but
there were two young men sitting nearby who gave the appearance of being
homeless (they each ordered an 89 cent burrito and glass of water) so we
gave them the tacos we had left. They appeared to be glad to get them
and may have eaten half of them before we reached the door.

George L

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/18/2013 4:22 PM, Kalmia wrote:
>> On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:
>>
>>
>>> If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
>>>
>>> cooks aren't using.
>>
>> Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public.
> > Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the
> staff.
>
> I don't know what the odds are that there's a nice clean bathroom
> back somewhere that the staff uses, but I don't know if I can
> suspend reality and believe that when I find a dirty customer
> bathroom.
>
> In other words, I just assume this is the bathroom they likely use.

I can't see they would have a cleaner bathroom than the public (who pay
their wages) one.

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 13:22:32 -0800 (PST), Kalmia
> wrote:

>On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:
>
>
>> If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
>>
>> cooks aren't using.
>
>Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public. Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the staff.

Eeeeewwww!

On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 13:53:02 -0800 (PST), Gregory Morrow
> wrote:

> wrote:
>
>> On Sunday, November 17, 2013 5:18:35 PM UTC-8, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>>
>> > "
>>
>> > >extent do you check out a place?
>>
>> >
>>
>> >
>>
>> >
>>
>> >
>>
>> > want any male servers, I don't want to be served by my brother at home
>>
>> >
>>
>> > so I'm not going to be served by some male who can't do better than a
>>
>> >
>>
>> > faggot job... I wouldn't be able to eat, male servers make me wretch.
>>
>>
>>
>> This is so offensive not only to the *** community, but also to all the male waiters out there.
>>
>>
>>
>> You are so out of it that you don't get it.
>>
>>
>>
>> Often I wonder why people respond to you, and now I am one of them.
>>
>>
>>
>> No, I am not a newbie, have been here a long time (I remember Buffy and her friend) and have heard your funny, old, haha jokes, but some things just shouldn't be let go.
>>
>>
>>
>> Let's hear your 'clever' retort.
>
>
>I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...I mean some peeps REALLY need to get a sense of humor...

These pinheads are missing the humor gene. My brother is a fag, I
love him but I don't like that he's a fag... it changes the
relationship drastically, definitely not for the better, and
primarilly from his end. I accept him as he is, he doesn't accept how
he is.

On Monday, November 18, 2013 6:16:08 PM UTC-5, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 13:53:02 -0800 (PST), Gregory Morrow
>
> > wrote:
>
>
>
> > wrote:
>
> >
>
> >> On Sunday, November 17, 2013 5:18:35 PM UTC-8, Brooklyn1 wrote:
>
> >>
>
> >> > "
>
> >>
>
> >> > >extent do you check out a place?
>
> >>
>
> >> >
>
> >>
>
> >> >
>
> >>
>
> >> >
>
> >>
>
> >> >
>
> >>
>
> >> > want any male servers, I don't want to be served by my brother at home
>
> >>
>
> >> >
>
> >>
>
> >> > so I'm not going to be served by some male who can't do better than a
>
> >>
>
> >> >
>
> >>
>
> >> > faggot job... I wouldn't be able to eat, male servers make me wretch.
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >> This is so offensive not only to the *** community, but also to all the male waiters out there.
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >> You are so out of it that you don't get it.
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >> Often I wonder why people respond to you, and now I am one of them.
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >> No, I am not a newbie, have been here a long time (I remember Buffy and her friend) and have heard your funny, old, haha jokes, but some things just shouldn't be let go.
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >>
>
> >> Let's hear your 'clever' retort.
>
> >
>
> >
>
> >I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...I mean some peeps REALLY need to get a sense of humor...
>
>
>
> These pinheads are missing the humor gene. My brother is a fag, I
>
> love him but I don't like that he's a fag... it changes the
>
> relationship drastically, definitely not for the better, and
>
> primarilly from his end. I accept him as he is, he doesn't accept how
>
> he is.

His problem is you're an asshole. You accept him as a "fag". Do you get where you missed the ****ing point dickhead? I sure hope Andy gets a new pal soon. I mean that sincerely.

On 11/18/2013 5:54 PM, Ophelia wrote:
> "Nancy Young" > wrote

>> I don't know what the odds are that there's a nice clean bathroom
>> back somewhere that the staff uses, but I don't know if I can
>> suspend reality and believe that when I find a dirty customer
>> bathroom.
>>
>> In other words, I just assume this is the bathroom they likely use.
>
> I can't see they would have a cleaner bathroom than the public (who pay
> their wages) one.

I agree, of course.

I hardly ever use a public restroom, but when I do and I find
it's nice, and clean, maybe with music, I have a good impression
of wherever I am. Goes double if that is in a restaurant.

Hell, maybe the kitchen is horrible, but if they keep the
bathroom nice, you feel like the kitchen is professional.
But if the bathroom is dirty/no soap/whatever, I really have a
hard time believing the kitchen is spic and span.

nancy

On Monday, November 18, 2013 7:01:04 PM UTC-5, Nancy Young wrote:
> On 11/18/2013 5:54 PM, Ophelia wrote:
>
> > "Nancy Young" > wrote
>
>
>
> >> I don't know what the odds are that there's a nice clean bathroom
>
> >> back somewhere that the staff uses, but I don't know if I can
>
> >> suspend reality and believe that when I find a dirty customer
>
> >> bathroom.
>
> >>
>
> >> In other words, I just assume this is the bathroom they likely use.
>
> >
>
> > I can't see they would have a cleaner bathroom than the public (who pay
>
> > their wages) one.
>
>
>
> I agree, of course.
>
>
>
> I hardly ever use a public restroom, but when I do and I find
>
> it's nice, and clean, maybe with music, I have a good impression
>
> of wherever I am. Goes double if that is in a restaurant.
>
>
>
> Hell, maybe the kitchen is horrible, but if they keep the
>
> bathroom nice, you feel like the kitchen is professional.
>
> But if the bathroom is dirty/no soap/whatever, I really have a
>
> hard time believing the kitchen is spic and span.

I used to come back to the table and tell my companion "Gets 100." I had a five point rating system for the restroom - 20 pts for each category -
toilet paper, soap, papertowels, how water and a working john. Not much to ask for, huh? Some actually scored only 40 a few times.

I was in a fancy schmancy resto once (yes, the food was fantastic) and the restroom had an anteroom with comfy settees, dimly lit mirrors and vanity, fresh flowers and even a live parrot in a large cage. (I hoped he got to leave that place at night tho). I bet it was cleaner than most houses.

On 11/18/2013 7:18 PM, Kalmia wrote:
> On Monday, November 18, 2013 7:01:04 PM UTC-5, Nancy Young wrote:

>> I hardly ever use a public restroom, but when I do and I find
>>
>> it's nice, and clean, maybe with music, I have a good impression
>>
>> of wherever I am. Goes double if that is in a restaurant.
>>
>>
>>
>> Hell, maybe the kitchen is horrible, but if they keep the
>>
>> bathroom nice, you feel like the kitchen is professional.
>>
>> But if the bathroom is dirty/no soap/whatever, I really have a
>>
>> hard time believing the kitchen is spic and span.
>
> I used to come back to the table and tell my companion "Gets 100."
> I had a five point rating system for the restroom - 20 pts for each
category -
> toilet paper, soap, papertowels, how water and a working john. Not much to ask
> for, huh?

Right?

> Some actually scored only 40 a few times.

It would put me off my food.

> I was in a fancy schmancy resto once (yes, the food was fantastic) and
> the restroom had an anteroom with comfy settees, dimly lit mirrors
and vanity,
>fresh flowers and even a live parrot in a large cage.

(laugh) I don't know about the parrot. Or hope he doesn't mimic
words or worse.

> (I hoped he got to leave that place at night tho). I bet it was cleaner
> than most houses.

I was just in a restaurant bathroom a couple of weeks ago. Just
beautiful, nice lighting, tile, cool faucet. Really clean. You
feel kind of funny saying Nice bathroom! but I really did appreciate
it.

Even if the bathroom isn't luxurious, I think it's the manager's job
to make sure it's kept clean and stocked.

nancy

"Helpful person" > wrote in message
...
> My method of checking out a restaurant is first to look at the
> menu. If it's not posted then I cannot know if there is
> anything I fancy or if I can afford it. I will never
> understand a restaurant not posting its menu. This is usually
> a cue for me not to go in.
>
Yes! I do always do that. Preferably online prior. That way if there is
no suitable food, we won't even bother. Failing that, I will stop by and
ask for a menu or if we are considering dining there right then and there,
then look at a posted menu outside (although few places do this any more) or
ask to see the menu indoors.

> Second I see how busy the restaurant is. If there is a line
> out the door then it's almost always worth waiting. I found
> the best Chinese restaurant I've ever been to that way.

Not always. Old Country Buffet always has a line out the door at dinner
time. But it's just not good.

"graham" > wrote in message
...

> I've noticed that in coffee bar/restaurants where the staff are tattooed,
> have odd piercings and are slovenly dressed, the restaurant area is
> usually tatty and grubby. I think that if it's like that where you can see
> it, what is the out of sight kitchen like?
> Graham

Here, most of the young people have all sorts of tattoos and piercings. Not
necessarily dressed poorly though. But... We all tend to dress rather
casually here.

"Brooklyn1" > wrote in message
...
> Helpful person wrote:
>>
>>My method of checking out a restaurant is first to look at the
>>menu.
>
> The menu tells you nothing about the level of quality and service.

True but it could potentially tell you of the quality of food.
>
>>Second I see how busy the restaurant is. If there is a line
>>out the door then it's almost always worth waiting.
>
> You'd love being in the military! LOL
> I would never wait on line to eat... and then they'll hustle you out
> before you swallow your last bite.

"Brooklyn1" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 11:35:25 -0500, "Steve Freides" >
> wrote:
>
>>Kalmia wrote:
>>> I spoke with someone who says he always orders a coke at the bar,
>>> peruses the menu etc before ordering food. Says he like to see how
>>> clean the place seems, whether the coke's glass is spotless and so
>>> on.
>>>
>>> I guess I am rather trusting, as I have never thought to do this. To
>>> what extent do you check out a place?
>>
>>Is his fear getting sick from the food? The glasses aren't always
>>spotless at our house but they won't make you ill, either. And I don't
>>drink soda and neither does my wife.
>>
>>I don't check out a place at all - if we've decided to go somewhere,
>>it's often on the recommendation of friends. If it's not, e.g., we're
>>on the road, we'll just look in the window and/or at the menu and
>>decide, and that's the end of it.
>
> On a sight seeing road trip I much prefer buying my meals at a large
> chain supermarket... testing restaurants on a road trip is Russian
> roulette... it's too easy to contract a food borne illness at a
> strange eatery along a main interstate that mostly caters to tourists
> that neither will ever meet again. And I'd much rather a stupidmarket
> deli than a fast food joint. Delis have pretty decent hot and cold
> foods, that they typically prepare right in front of your eyes...
> before I'll wait on line at a strange restaurant I'll take a number at
> a deli.

Delis have Reser's salads.

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
> On 11/18/2013 7:18 PM, Kalmia wrote:
>> On Monday, November 18, 2013 7:01:04 PM UTC-5, Nancy Young wrote:
>
>>> I hardly ever use a public restroom, but when I do and I find
>>>
>>> it's nice, and clean, maybe with music, I have a good impression
>>>
>>> of wherever I am. Goes double if that is in a restaurant.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hell, maybe the kitchen is horrible, but if they keep the
>>>
>>> bathroom nice, you feel like the kitchen is professional.
>>>
>>> But if the bathroom is dirty/no soap/whatever, I really have a
>>>
>>> hard time believing the kitchen is spic and span.
>>
>> I used to come back to the table and tell my companion "Gets 100."
> > I had a five point rating system for the restroom - 20 pts for each
> category -
>> toilet paper, soap, papertowels, how water and a working john. Not much
>> to ask
> > for, huh?
>
> Right?
>
>> Some actually scored only 40 a few times.
>
> It would put me off my food.
>
>> I was in a fancy schmancy resto once (yes, the food was fantastic) and
> > the restroom had an anteroom with comfy settees, dimly lit mirrors
> and vanity,
> >fresh flowers and even a live parrot in a large cage.
>
> (laugh) I don't know about the parrot. Or hope he doesn't mimic
> words or worse.
>
>> (I hoped he got to leave that place at night tho). I bet it was cleaner
> > than most houses.
>
> I was just in a restaurant bathroom a couple of weeks ago. Just beautiful,
> nice lighting, tile, cool faucet. Really clean. You
> feel kind of funny saying Nice bathroom! but I really did appreciate
> it.
>
> Even if the bathroom isn't luxurious, I think it's the manager's job
> to make sure it's kept clean and stocked.
>
> nancy

just got back from Europe . . .

On 2013-11-18 21:22:32 +0000, Kalmia said:

> On Monday, November 18, 2013 11:44:41 AM UTC-5, gtr wrote:
>
>
>> If there's no soap or toilet paper in the bathrooms, that's what the
>> cooks aren't using.
>
> Don't assume that the help uses the restrooms meant for the public.

I don't. When I find such a bathroom I'm pretty quick to ask the status
of the staff's facilities, so I can make alternative plans for dinner
depending on how bad the bathrooms are.

Once I found no paper, no soap, a very slow stream from the cold tap
only and neither a door knob (just a vacant hole) nor door latch. I
asked the waiter if there was another bathroom other than this one (and
the ladies room). They said no. In fairness I know that all the cooks
were female (and great cooks too!). My wife went to the bathroom and it
was marginally better: It had a door knob, latch and paper. No soap
and no hot water.

We left. We had eaten there many times before, but it had changed
owners twice and apparently they found new opportunities for increasing
their profit margin.

> Resto I worked in had its own facilities off the kitchen for all the staff.

It's true the large one's do. In my experience many do not.

*---===---

While on the off-topic of those lady cooks I mention above: Every time
we eat really good food in local middle-eastern restaurants, including
our Little Gaza in Anaheim (inexplicably recently renamed "Little
Arabia") I ask their nationality. Surprisingly most are Syrian; this
was the case with the ladies mentioned above). Then I started bumping
into a lot of Armenians. Being struck curious about this, I chatted
with the Armenians and found that despite living in northern Syria for
a few generations, they still call themselves Armenians.

There is a large "Russian" population in LA. I've recently heard they
are primarily "Armenians". I have no idea where they actually come
from.

On 2013-11-19 00:01:04 +0000, Nancy Young said:

> On 11/18/2013 5:54 PM, Ophelia wrote:
> > "Nancy Young" > wrote
>
>>> I don't know what the odds are that there's a nice clean bathroom
>>> back somewhere that the staff uses, but I don't know if I can
>>> suspend reality and believe that when I find a dirty customer
>>> bathroom.
>>>
>>> In other words, I just assume this is the bathroom they likely use.
>>
>> I can't see they would have a cleaner bathroom than the public (who pay
>> their wages) one.
>
> I agree, of course.
>
> I hardly ever use a public restroom, but when I do and I find
> it's nice, and clean, maybe with music, I have a good impression
> of wherever I am. Goes double if that is in a restaurant.

Incidentally I have found throughout Japan, and frequently in very
humble restaurants the most exotically clean, fresh-smelling lovely
bathrooms on the planet. Honestly: I have panicked and backed out of
the men's room multiple times thinking I had strayed into the ladies
room. There were flowers there, a lovely modern sink filled with
marbles (!?) and lovely lighting. Amazing.

> Hell, maybe the kitchen is horrible, but if they keep the
> bathroom nice, you feel like the kitchen is professional.

Absolutely. It is the one most blatant place they can tell their
customers "Clean/Not Clean".

> But if the bathroom is dirty/no soap/whatever, I really have a
> hard time believing the kitchen is spic and span.
>
> nancy

On 2013-11-18 21:53:02 +0000, Gregory Morrow said:

> I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...

I can't imagine what your sexual orientation has to do with validating
his poor taste and inoperable sense of humor. But I loved your
ground-breaking work in Mission Impossible.

> I mean some peeps REALLY need to get a sense of humor...

Isn't that what Rush Limbaugh always says after saying insulting things
about people?

I think he's a dunce, a bigot and dispenses misinformation: Isn't that funny?

> On 11/18/2013 3:16 PM, Brooklyn1's misinformation du jour:

>> it's too easy to contract a food borne illness at a strange eatery
>> along a main interstate that mostly caters to tourists that neither
>> will ever meet again.

Most such places, sadly, are chains, and chains' quality control is
mechanistic: They're all trained to do the same thing the same way year
after year with the same products from the same producers. The thing
that incurs loyalty to such places is jus that: their consistency; I
certainly don't think it's their exciting flavors. One of the reaons
that Denny's is plunked down next to hevery motel in the country.

>> And I'd much rather a stupidmarket deli than a fast food joint. Delis
>> have pretty decent hot and cold foods, that they typically prepare
>> right in front of your eyes...

I don't get a feeling of comfort looking at bin-food that's been laying
there for who knows how long at who knows what temperature. YMV.

On 2013-11-18 22:29:55 +0000, George Leppla said:

> When we drive to Florida, we often buy sandwiches at Publix. Sometimes,
> we'll stop at a Sam's Club and buy a pizza. Sometimes we stop at fast
> food places but usually, we like to eat at local places if we have the
> time and do a little homework.

As do I, even without the homework. Despite the dystopia our resident
nutcase provides above, most "roadside" restaurants aren't parked in
the middle of nowhere, 50 miles from a streetlight. They are frequently
right in the middle of an overgrown town or its suburbs where the
highway runs. Hardly a "tourist restaurant". And among those located
outside town that cater to truckers: Don't expect to get ill there. You
get truckers ill and you lose business very quickly: word travels fast.

> AND... this is blasphemy coming from people who live in TX where every
> town has at least 437 Mexican Restaurants... but one day we stopped for
> a quick lunch at Taco Bell. We ordered the 12 pack of tacos for $10...
> 6 soft and 6 hard. They weren't terrible. They may not have been real
> meat...

They are "real meat", though about 80% less of it that you'd get in a
real taco. I live in a town with 73% Mexican or Mexican-American
population so I can find good Mexican food anytime, anywhere. Still, I
like Taco Bell tacos from time to time. It's junk food, sure, like a
hot dog. But it's tasty, cheap and convenient.

> ...but they made a passable, quick and cheap lunch. We couldn't eat
> them all and were going to take the rest in the car for "later", but
> there were two young men sitting nearby who gave the appearance of
> being homeless (they each ordered an 89 cent burrito and glass of
> water) so we gave them the tacos we had left. They appeared to be glad
> to get them and may have eaten half of them before we reached the door.

They use to have some kinda "Taco Bell dollars" marketing shtick,
things you could use like money at a Taco Bell abut 15 years ago. I
somehow came by a batch of them, and we handed them out to homeless
folk and felt like big philanthropists for a few minutes.

Incidentally, eating a Taco Bell taco later after it's laid about, or
been in the fridge--I don't know what happens to it in the meantime but
it is really inedible.

On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:07:58 -0800, "Pico Rico"
> wrote:

>
>"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
>> On 11/18/2013 7:18 PM, Kalmia wrote:
>>> On Monday, November 18, 2013 7:01:04 PM UTC-5, Nancy Young wrote:
>>
>>>> I hardly ever use a public restroom, but when I do and I find
>>>>
>>>> it's nice, and clean, maybe with music, I have a good impression
>>>>
>>>> of wherever I am. Goes double if that is in a restaurant.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Hell, maybe the kitchen is horrible, but if they keep the
>>>>
>>>> bathroom nice, you feel like the kitchen is professional.
>>>>
>>>> But if the bathroom is dirty/no soap/whatever, I really have a
>>>>
>>>> hard time believing the kitchen is spic and span.
>>>
>>> I used to come back to the table and tell my companion "Gets 100."
>> > I had a five point rating system for the restroom - 20 pts for each
>> category -
>>> toilet paper, soap, papertowels, how water and a working john. Not much
>>> to ask
>> > for, huh?
>>
>> Right?
>>
>>> Some actually scored only 40 a few times.
>>
>> It would put me off my food.
>>
>>> I was in a fancy schmancy resto once (yes, the food was fantastic) and
>> > the restroom had an anteroom with comfy settees, dimly lit mirrors
>> and vanity,
>> >fresh flowers and even a live parrot in a large cage.
>>
>> (laugh) I don't know about the parrot. Or hope he doesn't mimic
>> words or worse.
>>
>>> (I hoped he got to leave that place at night tho). I bet it was cleaner
>> > than most houses.
>>
>> I was just in a restaurant bathroom a couple of weeks ago. Just beautiful,
>> nice lighting, tile, cool faucet. Really clean. You
>> feel kind of funny saying Nice bathroom! but I really did appreciate
>> it.
>>
>> Even if the bathroom isn't luxurious, I think it's the manager's job
>> to make sure it's kept clean and stocked.
>>
>> nancy
>
> just got back from Europe . . .

Don't post until after you bathe, Europe is disgustingly fetid.

On 11/18/2013 8:35 PM, gtr wrote:
>> On 11/18/2013 3:16 PM, Brooklyn1's misinformation du jour:
>
>>> it's too easy to contract a food borne illness at a strange eatery
>>> along a main interstate that mostly caters to tourists that neither
>>> will ever meet again.
>
> Most such places, sadly, are chains, and chains' quality control is
> mechanistic: They're all trained to do the same thing the same way year
> after year with the same products from the same producers. The thing
> that incurs loyalty to such places is jus that: their consistency; I
> certainly don't think it's their exciting flavors. One of the reaons
> that Denny's is plunked down next to hevery motel in the country.

Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big chains.I
can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food poisoning
reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places OTOH.

On 11/18/2013 7:37 PM, Nancy Young wrote:

>
> Even if the bathroom isn't luxurious, I think it's the manager's job
> to make sure it's kept clean and stocked.
>
> nancy
>

Yes, it is. If the manager allows one room to be less than the best,
other areas will be no better.

I prefer to eat at smaller local places, but most chains have high
standards and inspections to assure cleanliness. Sure, there are
exceptions, but most are good.

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...

> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big chains.I
> can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food poisoning
> reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places OTOH.

We used to have ChiChi's Mexican restaurants here. Lots of food poisoning.
Same for Sizzler. Oh and Jack in the Box with the big E Coli thing.

"Julie Bove" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
> ...
>
>> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big chains.I
>> can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food poisoning
>> reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places OTOH.
>
> We used to have ChiChi's Mexican restaurants here. Lots of food
> poisoning. Same for Sizzler. Oh and Jack in the Box with the big E Coli
> thing.


I don't believe there's ever been a case of food poisoning at the Sizzler in
our area, same with Jack in the Box.

Cheri

On 2013-11-19 02:50:58 +0000, Dave Smith said:

> On 11/18/2013 8:35 PM, gtr wrote:
>>> On 11/18/2013 3:16 PM, Brooklyn1's misinformation du jour:
>>
>>>> it's too easy to contract a food borne illness at a strange eatery
>>>> along a main interstate that mostly caters to tourists that neither
>>>> will ever meet again.
>>
>> Most such places, sadly, are chains, and chains' quality control is
>> mechanistic: They're all trained to do the same thing the same way year
>> after year with the same products from the same producers. The thing
>> that incurs loyalty to such places is jus that: their consistency; I
>> certainly don't think it's their exciting flavors. One of the reaons
>> that Denny's is plunked down next to hevery motel in the country.
>
> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big
> chains.I can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food
> poisoning reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places
> OTOH.

That last phrase wasn't a sentence.

On 2013-11-19 06:01:41 +0000, Cheri said:

> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big
>>> chains.I can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food
>>> poisoning reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places
>>> OTOH.
>>
>> We used to have ChiChi's Mexican restaurants here. Lots of food
>> poisoning. Same for Sizzler. Oh and Jack in the Box with the big E
>> Coli thing.
>
> I don't believe there's ever been a case of food poisoning at the
> Sizzler in our area, same with Jack in the Box.

Yeah. Talk is cheap when it comes to restaurants that are purportedly
"prone" to food poisoning.

"gtr" > wrote in message news:2013111822330556012-xxx@yyyzzz...
> On 2013-11-19 06:01:41 +0000, Cheri said:
>
>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>
>>>> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big
>>>> chains.I can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food
>>>> poisoning reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places
>>>> OTOH.
>>>
>>> We used to have ChiChi's Mexican restaurants here. Lots of food
>>> poisoning. Same for Sizzler. Oh and Jack in the Box with the big E Coli
>>> thing.
>>
>> I don't believe there's ever been a case of food poisoning at the Sizzler
>> in our area, same with Jack in the Box.
>
> Yeah. Talk is cheap when it comes to restaurants that are purportedly
> "prone" to food poisoning.

I didn't say such places were necessarily prone to it although the ChiChis
and the Sizzler had it repeatedly.

And I would have that that the Jack in the Box thing made the national news
but perhaps not.

http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_out...coli-outbreak/

It is well remembered here though.

On 2013-11-19 1:01 AM, Cheri wrote:
> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>>> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big
>>> chains.I can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food
>>> poisoning reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places
>>> OTOH.
>>
>> We used to have ChiChi's Mexican restaurants here. Lots of food
>> poisoning. Same for Sizzler. Oh and Jack in the Box with the big E
>> Coli thing.
>
>
> I don't believe there's ever been a case of food poisoning at the
> Sizzler in our area, same with Jack in the Box.
>


To the best of my recollection, e-coli has usually been traced back to
the suppliers and was not to the restaurant's fault.

On 2013-11-18 10:40 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

> Yes, it is. If the manager allows one room to be less than the best,
> other areas will be no better.
>
> I prefer to eat at smaller local places, but most chains have high
> standards and inspections to assure cleanliness. Sure, there are
> exceptions, but most are good.


That is because they have the organization behind them to create a
system for training employees. There are well defined positions within
the restaurants and each outlet has people designated and trained. Their
standards tend to meet or exceed local health codes.

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> On 2013-11-19 1:01 AM, Cheri wrote:
>> "Julie Bove" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "Dave Smith" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>
>>>> Almost all the rest stops along major highways here are the big
>>>> chains.I can't remember any incidents where there were cases of food
>>>> poisoning reported at one of them. Chinese and Middle Eastern places
>>>> OTOH.
>>>
>>> We used to have ChiChi's Mexican restaurants here. Lots of food
>>> poisoning. Same for Sizzler. Oh and Jack in the Box with the big E
>>> Coli thing.
>>
>>
>> I don't believe there's ever been a case of food poisoning at the
>> Sizzler in our area, same with Jack in the Box.
>>
>
>
> To the best of my recollection, e-coli has usually been traced back to the
> suppliers and was not to the restaurant's fault.

http://www.about-ecoli.com/ecoli_out...coli-outbreak/

In this case they were undercooking the hamburgers Said if they cooked the
meat to 155 degrees, it was too tough.

On Monday, November 18, 2013 1:40:58 PM UTC-6, Dave Smith wrote:
> On 2013-11-18 11:55 AM, gtr wrote:
>
>
>
> >> Good lord, why are old men so gawddanged horny? Is there nothing else
>
> >> interesting in your life?
>
> >
>
> > That should read why is "brooklyn1" so obsessed. Please don't dismiss
>
> > one half of the population based on one asshole's blabber.
>
> >
>
> > I don't think many of the rest of us go through this song-and-dance. My
>
> > perspective is that he didn't get much sex during his life. It's just a
>
> > statement of his own pain. The guys I know that can't stop blabbering
>
> > about sex are the guys that never seemed to get any.
>
> >
>
>
>
>
>
> Think of it as a drive reduction behaviour. People are born with certain
>
> basic needs that cause them to have cravings. When their cravings are
>
> met they calm down and concentrate on other things. People who are
>
> hungry look for food, they eat, then then relax. They stop thinking
>
> about food. Sex works the same way. They less you get the more you think
>
> about it. The guys who sit around keyboarding about their desires.....
>
> they ain't getting any.

I think about it independently of how much I'm getting. I can be completely, physically tapped out--which takes some doin'--and I still think about sex. Same with food. Just because I've eaten recently doesn't mean I don't think about food until I'm starting to get hungry again.

You can't just generalize about human sexuality. I know folks who are lucky enough to get way more partner sex than moi, who still find sex their favorite subject. Take this woman, for example. She's one of the leaders of SEX+STL, and she writes frankly about her sexual experiences. Her blog is explicit, and some would find it offensive, and don't go there if you're at work or the public library. http://thebeautifulkind.com/ You might learn something. Actually, you might learn a lot of somethings, but you have been warned.

--Bryan sex+

gtr blathered:


> On 2013-11-18 21:53:02 +0000, Gregory Morrow said:
>
>
>
> > I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...
>
>
>
> I can't imagine what your sexual orientation has to do with validating
>
> his poor taste and inoperable sense of humor. But I loved your
>
> ground-breaking work in Mission Impossible.


Your ignernce marks you as a hapless noobie...


> > I mean some peeps REALLY need to get a sense of humor...
>
>
>
> Isn't that what Rush Limbaugh always says after saying insulting things
>
> about people?
>
>
>
> I think he's a dunce, a bigot and dispenses misinformation: Isn't that funny?


Uh, he's an *entertainer*, same as Bill Maher...I don't listen to Bill (who I love) for my "information", nor should anyone listen to Rush for their information..."caveat emptor" as the auld saying goes.


--
Best
Greg

On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:20:24 -0800, gtr > wrote:

> On 2013-11-18 21:53:02 +0000, Gregory Morrow said:
>
> > I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...
>
> I can't imagine what your sexual orientation has to do with validating
> his poor taste and inoperable sense of humor. But I loved your
> ground-breaking work in Mission Impossible.

Okay, that's funny!
>
> > I mean some peeps REALLY need to get a sense of humor...
>
> Isn't that what Rush Limbaugh always says after saying insulting things
> about people?
>
> I think he's a dunce, a bigot and dispenses misinformation: Isn't that funny?



--
Food is an important part of a balanced diet.

On 2013-11-20 03:10:58 +0000, Gregory Morrow said:

> gtr blessed you with a comment:
>> Isn't that what Rush Limbaugh always says after saying insulting things
>> about people?
>>
>> I think he's a dunce, a bigot and dispenses misinformation: Isn't that funny?
>
> Uh, he's an *entertainer*...

Right: He intertains with bigotry and misinformation. Hilarious!

On 2013-11-20 04:13:57 +0000, sf said:

> On Mon, 18 Nov 2013 17:20:24 -0800, gtr > wrote:
>
>> On 2013-11-18 21:53:02 +0000, Gregory Morrow said:
>>
>>> I'm queer and I think what Sheldon said is kinda funny...
>>
>> I can't imagine what your sexual orientation has to do with validating
>> his poor taste and inoperable sense of humor. But I loved your
>> ground-breaking work in Mission Impossible.
>
> Okay, that's funny!

I'm glad somebody got it.

In article >,
Kalmia > wrote:

> I spoke with someone who says he always orders a coke at the bar, peruses the
> menu etc before ordering food. Says he like to see how clean the place seems,
> whether the coke's glass is spotless and so on.
>
> I guess I am rather trusting, as I have never thought to do this. To what
> extent do you check out a place?

Not at all.
--
Barb,
http://www.barbschaller.com, as of April 8, 2013.