What are you carrying out?


 

Brad Olson

TVWBB Platinum Member
Yes, this is somewhat COVID-related and I hope Chris doesn't mind, but I'm wondering what y'all might be doing to support your local restaurants. I admit up front that my first job was being a busboy and my younger daughter is in the business and I do have a bias, but I hope everybody's doing what they can to help out. I realize that with everything gone haywire there are a lot of people who are in tough spots and the only option is cooking at home, so I hope this doesn't come off as tone-deaf.

Tonight we had a couple of pulled pork plates from a place that doesn't advertise itself as barbecue, but they have PP and ribs on the regular (and pretty diverse; I had the etouffee last time) menu and will occasionally put a brisket or 2 on the smoker. Of course, we get a pizza from time to time and we're pretty much obligated to patronize the aforementioned daughter's restaurant (she's a worker and not the owner) on a fairly frequent basis, so we're trying to do what we can.
 
Last edited:
We just got word that we can order from greenhouses beginning today so, one of our (my wife’s) favorite places will be getting some stimulus funding from her! Then I will get a little exercise putting that stuff where she wants it.
A local tiny burger joint has not been open even though their site says they are. I have to go out later and think I will drive by and look at the door.
 
There is a place in Belvidere IL called Smokin Coop. https://www.smokincoopbbq.com/ They only operate in the spring through fall seasons and they're strictly an outdoor place. Some really good stuff and I guess the restrictions don't really apply since they're an outdoor establishment
 
Out here in the sticks (village population around 4,000 or so,) we're pretty fortunate to have a couple of places that are doing well. One looks like they're making silk purses out of sow's ears. That started when the quarantine started, he had a pile of scratch made corned beef that he was planning on serving on St. Patrick's Day (and couldn't, obviously.) They packaged up dinners for 5 with corned beef, cabbage & veg, with bread, and sold out very quickly. They've taken to the take-away dinners for 3 or 5 people, and seem to doing well.
 
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, we have so many restaurants here in Boca, just too many to help support. But, DH could not go any longer. He did get a pizza at his favorite Italian place. Good, that was my chance to have SHRIMP!!!!!! lol
 
Yeah, we done the local Chinese place a few times (leaving bigger than normal tips!) I just drove through the burger place, they have a number posted so, I’ll try again next week the stop was on my way back from getting my selfish self a big ribeye, premade Caesar salad and a jug of vodka so, tonight is taken care of!
Red wine was already on hand!
 
We've gotten pizza a couple times. One of our local faves has 50% off right now.

We have a couple small brewpubs within a mile or two of the house and they're doing curbside pickup. I haven't gone to them yet, but would like to. I'm not working now, so trying to minimize spending. But it would be a good excuse to go grab a six pack.
 
We've done Vietnamese, Chinese, Whataburger, KFC and Pizza Hut. Last night we splurged and got Bento boxes and sushi from our favorite local sushi place. They seemed busy,hopefully they will survive and we will be able to go sit down and eat at their establishment soon. I'm essential so I have been doing some drive-thru's by the office during when I'm working.
 
Averaging about 3 takeouts from Mom & Pop places a week.... Italian, Thai, and NY Sicilian Pizza We really want these places to survive and be our favorites after this is over. Our Genesis in heavy rotation on the other nights. For the Italian & Thai I'm using an Omaha Styrofoam cooler to keep the stuff hot. The pizza is about a 25 minute drive. We put a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 and lift the lid slightly for the ride home. We then put the pieces we are going to each on the sheet and heat for about 7 minutes to get the crust and toppings back up to temp.
 
There is a place in Belvidere IL called Smokin Coop. https://www.smokincoopbbq.com/ They only operate in the spring through fall seasons and they're strictly an outdoor place. Some really good stuff and I guess the restrictions don't really apply since they're an outdoor establishment
I haven't eaten there in AGES but my parents stop once or twice a year.

 
Yep it's a good place. They have some fun impromptu old car shows. Brings back memories. Love listening to old school V8s with lumpy cams. We also have friends in Cherry Valley who own a restaurant in the village. We like to order a pizza from them as well. Feel it's good to support them. They live and work in the village. There is also a very nice little grocery called Cattle & Cream https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Local-Business/Cattle-Cream-111584900185429/?from=@ we really like. Nice little butcher shop, basic grocery necessities, ice cream shop as well. Great little place. Friendly, nice service we try to do as much shopping there as possible
 
There is a mom and pop diner close to me called Jody's that has a pretty good menu. One of the best things is a Jody burger. It's a double cheeseburger grilled on a flat top that is fantastic for $5. Of course there is a McDonald's across the road and the drive thru is always packed. Makes me want to yell at people to support the small restaurants.
 

 

Back
Top