Every year, I make the same resolution – no more takeaways. And every year, I stumble over this. The excuses are nearly all the same. I was too busy so I didn’t get to meal prep, or go shopping, or the kids activities ran over. It’s always about my time management skills (or lack of). But the thing is, I’m really trying to avoid the local chippy. Why? If I have banished takeaways, I have more money to go out and experience fine dining. Here are five reasons why you should too.
It’s an experience
As much as I love eating chips from the paper in the car, there is only so much magic you can get from it. Especially if it is something that you do all the time. At some point, the magic of steam rising from the pile of freshly cooked chips, fogging the window of the car while you take in the smell of the salt and vinegar, wears off. Going to a restaurant, sitting at a table with proper cutlery, and having a server bring you whatever your heart desires is always an experience. Besides, all you have to do is look at TikTok to see how amazing eating out can be,
It’s a break from routine
I don’t know about anyone else but I’ve fallen into a bad routine when it comes to ordering a takeaway. Now, it could be argued that you could set up a fresh routine and go to a different restaurant once a month; but it’s still breaking the routine. Think of it this way: once a month you check Square Meal, go out for something to eat in a different restaurant. Yes, there is the routine of going out once a month but there is the excitement of trying a new place every time. Try booking an evening once a month (probably just after payday) and trying somewhere you have never been before.
It’s trying something new
One thing I have noticed is that restaurant menus tend to change more often than the local Chinese takeaway. When you go out, there is a chance that the chef will have a few specials on the menu. Seasonal dishes that they only plan on doing for a few nights, a new spin on a classic dish, or they might be bored and want to spice the menu up a bit. Whatever the reason, they are trying something new. And you should too. Don’t pigeonhole yourself with the same dishes from the same place. Even if your taste buds can’t handle a change, it is possible to experience something new. For example, I love beef burgers. Every restaurant I go to, I try their cheese burger, and I’ve never had two burgers the same. It’s win-win.
It’s bonding time
How many times have you ordered a takeaway with your friends, your partner, or your kids? Plenty of times. How many times have you all sat in front of the TV and ignored each other while you shovel chips down your gob? Probably more times than you care to admit. Let’s ditch the TV and focus on bonding time. It wasn’t that long ago that sitting at the table, no TV, and having polite conversation was expected. To sit in front of the TV while you have your dinner? Blasphemy! Meal times were sacred and people enjoyed talking to each other. In a world that has us disconnected from each other, let’s make time to bond over the bread basket once again.
It’s a chance to explore
Did you know, in my little town there are around 30 different restaurants? I mean, places that you can sit inside and have a meal. Some of them are fancy chip shops, Chinese, or Indian. Some are local bistros that serve a variety of food. Do you know how many I have eaten in? Keep in mind, I’ve been an adult for over 20 years. Maybe five different restaurants. That is sad. There is no reason why I can’t explore the local food hot spots and choose a different one each time. It would still take me nearly three years to try them all out!
Let’s face it, I’m still going to grab the odd takeaway and get my grub in a local eatery. What about you? Will banished takeaways be your thing in favour of fine dining? Let me know in the comments section. And if you don’t, then tell me what your go to dish is when you get a takeaway.
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