I worked at a pricey restaurant (pricey in the region I was in) and I would see people dropping $75+ for a single meal. I always had to laugh, because I saw how it was prepared (by me).

Alright. I’ll simply toss this piece of meat on the broiler and flip it halfway through. Shrimp and scallops, I’ll batter them in the same flour/egg/milk mixture that I’m using on your chicken. Then I’ll drop them in the fryer along with your frozen fries. Halibut and walleye, I’ll put them on plates, douse with butter oil, cover with plastic wrap, and nuke them for a while. Scoop some tartar and cocktail sauce out of 5 gallon buckets, and garnish the plates with some greens. But don’t get me wrong, it was tasty food and it looked good. I had customers ask to compliment the “chef” and I would walk out of the kitchen (we didn’t let them back there). Most were shocked to see a 16 year old kid had just made their “fabulous” meal in about 20 minutes.

The most I have ever spent eating out on a date, was about $50 for 2. Anything more is just a waste of money. If I’m gonna go all out on a meal for a date, I’ll spend that $50 on the food, make it myself, then spend the savings on flowers and entertainment. If I have to spend more than $100 to impress a date then I’m gonna find a different date, not someone who wants to date my checkbook.

 

Breakfast… bacon… that ____es me off. I pay an extra $3 for bacon. I get 2 strips (3 if I’m lucky). You can buy a pound of bacon at the grocery store for $3. I love bacon for breakfast, and this practice really gets me upset.

 

280 at Ruth Chris steakhouse up in Denver. 2 people including desert and tip!!

 

300 bucks for 3 at... Lawry's The Prime Rib.

 

1983, Rumson, NJ, at Markus Peter's Fromagerie - wife and I, salads, dinners, wine, desserts, drinks, tip, all excellent, about $265 + valet parking.

Tom