Dinning During COVID

COVID19 has changed everyone’s way of life. I live in Upstate NY and have found life quite different than it used to be. Everything from working as an essential worker to going out to eat has completly changed. Uber eats, Grub hub, and door dash have become a major industry and an convenient option for those of us who do not wish to take the risk of leaving home and becoming exposed to the virus.

In my attempts to live a somewhat normal life as we did before this pandemic hit My father and I decided to go to one of our favorite franchises for an early dinner before shopping. upon arrival we noticed right away outdoor patio seating was still an option seeing that it was mid-September, and the days are still warm here in NYS. I notice before even entering the building social distancing signs, and again there where obvious social

distancing markers on the floor, and a sign at the hostess station explaining their whole social distancing set up. We were greeted and led to a table booth by the windows. I noticed every other table was empty due to social distancing. We were allowed to remove our masks at the table and our drink orders were taken. We were still served shareable bread. The rest of the dinner was the same. Same food, same atmosphere and same service without the overcrowding.

Not being able to fill all the tables, they could only operate half capacity, which meant for a quite atmosphere. It is strange to experience this new normal. A bunch of people covered in masks and sanitizer wondering what the future holds for those of us who dare to brave the risks of going out in public.

Going out to dinner has not been the only option. As I had stated above Uber eats is making a killing now and its extremely convenient too. I work full time with one grown son who is not always home, and my fiancée. Cooking is no longer my number one priority and Uber eats has been a life saver. Last night we decided to use Uber eats to order Red Lobster, after I had worked an 11-hour shift. It was a delicious experience. We both ordered the Captains feast and I made sure to add the option for utensils. I chose to have the order left on the porch (no contact delivery) and my fiancée and I waited in anticipation. 30 minutes later our food arrived, and it was everything we hoped for except there where no napkins or forks, which is what I asked for, however What was included was a single plastic claw looking tool that is used to pry open uncooperative crab legs. Truth be told we both used it to eat our mashed potatoes and coleslaw. It was not Ideal, but it worked for two lazy tired people who had both had long days.

After eating dinner, I went back and rated our meal on My Uber eats app. I increased my delivery drivers’ tip because she followed my written directions to the T and I gave her the max number of stars since normally my delivery drivers try to deliver our food to our neighbors and I didn’t have to run out an flag her down. (Some people cannot seem to understand that houses on corners are often the address of the adjacent road.)

Whether you choose to brave going out or you just want to stay in there are options now a days that allow you to stay in the safety of your home unlike anything we have ever seen. We no longer have to rely on pizza or chines food as our two delivery options. With the food delivery apps just about any food or restaurant you are craving is only an app away!