HITTING THE TOWN IN SEARCH OF THE PERFECT BURGER
“What’s for dinner?” As a wife that’s the scariest thing I wanted to decide. As a single mom that’s the worst thing I wanted to hear. And as a single senior it’s the last thing I want to think about. I’m no “foodie,” I eat because it’s required. Unfortunately, our society seems to revolve around food: the wedding reception menu, baby shower snacks, birthday cake choices, sweet treats, church social dishes, bake sale contributions, condolence casseroles, recuperation soup. …
Now I find myself eating out several times each week. When I’m home I have a selection of take-out leftovers to choose from. So, what’s the criteria for what to eat? Sometimes it’s more about where to eat.
I like to try different restaurants, experience a variety of choices, and check out the atmosphere. The SunShine Singles eat out at least once a week, so socializing becomes the criteria for when to eat. Finding a common time when most can join in is sometimes challenging. We look for restaurants that can seat 8 to 12 comfortably and allow for conversation.
Recently, we tried Florida Boy Burger Co. on Del Prado in Cape Coral. Their décor revolved around gators, even some babies in an aquarium, and cowboys or “crackers” as they’re called in Florida.
Obviously, burgers were on the menu, with unique toppings like the Black Rambo, which was topped with alligator sausage, blackened crabmeat, and spicy pimento cheese. I couldn’t wrap my head or mouth around all that. There was also gator filet on the menu, but no one had the nerve to try it and the price was high for lunch. One of the negatives about Florida Boy Burgers was that all of the sides were an extra charge even though the server led us to believe they were included. We probably won’t go back but that shouldn’t stop you from trying something new.
Which brings us to another category for consideration, how much to spend? Eating out more than once a week on a fixed income may make this the most critical point. It’s difficult to get lunch even without a drink for less than $20 not to mention tax and tip. The Black Rambo burger was $20 with no side. I usually justify the expense because I get two meals considering the “doggy bag” I take home.
In September there was a month long “Sizzle Dining” campaign advertised in the Gulf Coast area, offering set prices of $19 or $29 with $1 of each meal donated to Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization helping feed school children. This gave us a chance to check out some restaurants that might have seemed too expensive. Those restaurants and many others will be discussed in future editions of the Breeze. So, check back monthly for more Food for Thought.
If you have a favorite restaurant or found a new eatery of interest that you would like to provide a review for, contact the Breeze at [email protected].
