Table Talk

By Mumdifficult

January 13, 2009 9:07 AM | Link to this

frank ma isn’t even at frank ma south anymore is he? go check out yor favorite place, shaun’s, on a wed. or thurs., it;s dead. word on the street is beliza is about done as well. Fabrice Vergez, closed FAB the week between x-mas and new years. he’ll be closed for good soon. and that’s a good thing, he’s a horrible person….and you know what the say about karma! i wonder which Indochine joint will close first thugged out Straits (usher just closed th grape, is luuuda far behing?)or the pinked ou Steele. Amore lasted what….10 minutes. now that shaun isn’t associated with the original the taco, how long will chef micha willix keep that boat afloat. it’s ruff out there

By Meridith Ford

January 13, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Hey Mumm: No, he hasn’t been there for a while. Yes, it’s rough out there … SInce when is Micah Willix at Original el Taco?

By Mike H

January 13, 2009 12:07 PM | Link to this

As my friend in the industry said, tough times just weeds out the average restaurants that are average quality (Thrive, Steele, Straits), the wrong concept (Luckie, Amore, Beleza) or bad location (Shaun’s, FAB, Taurus).

By Don Pardo

January 13, 2009 12:59 PM | Link to this

My family’s New Year resolution is to not eat out at all.

By Mattie

January 13, 2009 1:08 PM | Link to this

We don’t eat out much anyway, since our kids don’t get home till 7:00 or so every night from school, and they want to eat as soon as they walk in the door. But, this weekend we tried to use our Local Flavor card at Atlantic Seafood, and they no longer accept it. My neighbor tried to use hers at another place last week and heard the same story. I guess I’m not surprised they have to do away with the 20% discount in these tough times, but it does take away the loyalty factor. When we do get out, we’ll just go where ever we want, instead of trying to stick to a Local Flavor participant.

By sd

January 13, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this

I can’t cut back if I want to stay married.

By Clay

January 13, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

We haven’t really stopped eating out—sometimes we may scale back on the restaurant a little, though. We ate at Wildfire (outside Perimeter Mall next to Seasons 52) Saturday night and it was packed. It was very good to see.

By Mort

January 13, 2009 1:13 PM | Link to this

Not eating out. At all. Beans and bacon at home. It’s awful. Yuck.

In fact, I wonder if someone has done a story on fastfood value menus as an economic barometer. I’ll bet those items are now the most ordered on fastfood menus. The AP should jump on this. I’ll bet some clever economist is already looking into this.

By Ramona

January 13, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

My husband lost his job at Thanksgiving and we stopped eating out immediately. We just cannot afford it anymore. The irony is..he was a restaurant manager. He lost his job because the restaurant went out of business.

By Mary

January 13, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

I don’t go out much in the first place anyway.

I watch a TON Of food Network and cook something off their shows almost every night.

I don’t like to go out for dinner. It’s too expensive, they give you WAY too much food, and I much prefer to be in my own kitchen cooking my own food.

My boyfriend has become very interested in cooking lately. He seems to really enjoy being in the kitchen with me. I like it too.

We don’t even go out for special occassions. We cook a fabulous meal at home and enjoy a bottle of wine. And we usually spend less than $20/meal (alcohol included).

By A

January 13, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this

Interesting comment by Mattie about Local Flavor coupons no longer being honored. We have used those a lot in the past for Northside restaurants, including Atlantic Seafood Co. With the economy, we are trying to eat only at locally-owned establishments—no chains— to encourage their business, and we will often make our decision based on if the restaurant has coupons or specials.

Discontinuing special offers makes no sense. Wouldn’t restaurants rather have a full room of people paying 20% less than an empty dining room?

By gagirl

January 13, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this

Mumdifficult, you described Strait as ‘thugged out’. Why is that? Is it because they have a black partner or black clientele? Hopefully someday in the near future we’ll have less ignorant people out here that don’t automatically equate black with negativity.

By yoye

January 13, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

there is nothing like good food cooked by your family and enjoyed with friends and neighbors…

By Pedro

January 13, 2009 1:43 PM | Link to this

My two sons both work as waiters in relatively high end restaurants in Buckhead and they are complaining that business is way off - more so than usual for January, which is always the slowest month. Worse still is that tipping is way down as well. Combine slow business with “conservative” tipping and it makes for an almost crippling financial situation for wait staff. Throw in rising gas prices (again) and you have jobs hardly worth their cost to get to unless you live nearby.

My wife and I eat out about every other Friday but we frequent low to mid-range local establishments in and around Kennesaw and Marietta. We are experiencing little in terms of reduced wait times on Fridays. The places we go and the times we go there seem to be quite busy still.

By confused

January 13, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

I find it very sad that Mumdifficult thinks this is a forum to say bad things about people. Fabrice at FAB is one of the most wonderful people I have had the pleasure of knowing. If he or she feels the need to be so mean, why not give your REAL name so we know who you are?

By lovelyliz

January 13, 2009 2:03 PM | Link to this

It a natural progression. When running errands, I usually eat out. With a cut back in spending, I am running fewer of those errands and therefore eating out less.

Besides, I am an awesome cook.

By Southern Lady

January 13, 2009 2:09 PM | Link to this

GaGirl…why do you “automatically” assume that it is a “black” thing…? That is the problem, people like you always assume that someone is racist by stating their opinion. You like to state yours, and others like to state theirs as well…get over it! Maybe one day blacks won’t be so ignorant as to always shout racism just because someone states how they feel!

By Southern Lady

January 13, 2009 2:10 PM | Link to this

GaGirl…why do you “automatically” assume that it is a “black” thing…? That is the problem, people like you always assume that someone is racist by stating their opinion. You like to state yours, and others like to state theirs as well…get over it! Maybe one day blacks won’t be so ignorant as to always shout racism just because someone states how they feel!

By Southern Lady

January 13, 2009 2:11 PM | Link to this

GaGirl…why do you “automatically” assume that it is a “black” thing…? That is the problem, people like you always assume that someone is racist by stating their opinion. You like to state yours, and others like to state theirs as well…get over it! Maybe one day blacks won’t be so ignorant as to always shout racism just because someone states how they feel!

By nicole

January 13, 2009 2:21 PM | Link to this

My boyfriend and I used to eat out A LOT. We were always at TWO, ONE, Strip, or Vine in addition to Willy’s… you get the picture. When gas prices shot up we made the decision to cut back dramatically. We tallied up how much money we spent eating out over a 3 month period and we were floored. Between the two us, the number was in the $1000s. We decided not to go back to our old ways when gas prices went back down. Now we cook most of our meals at home. I enjoy cooking so it’s fun for us. On top of that, cooking more gave us more control over our food (I know it’s clean and I know what’s in it). We’ve saved a ton of money AND WE LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT! Eat at home, people! We still treat ourselves to QUALITY nights out every once and a while when it’s something we can’t make (sushi, gourmet vegetarian). Most of the restaurants are dead though. ATLANTA NEEDS TO GROW UP AND OFFER MORE THINGS TO DO IN THIS CITY THAN EAT OUT AND GET FAT! Maybe it’s HIGH-time the museums and other tourist ripoffs (I won’t name names but you know who I’m talking about) stop charging through the nose and offer regular folk some cultural entertainment at a good price.

By nicole

January 13, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

My boyfriend and I used to eat out A LOT. We were always at TWO, ONE, Strip, or Vine in addition to Willy’s… you get the picture. When gas prices shot up we made the decision to cut back dramatically. We tallied up how much money we spent eating out over a 3 month period and we were floored. Between the two us, the number was in the $1000s. We decided not to go back to our old ways when gas prices went back down. Now we cook most of our meals at home. I enjoy cooking so it’s fun for us. On top of that, cooking more gave us more control over our food (I know it’s clean and I know what’s in it). We’ve saved a ton of money AND WE LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT! Eat at home, people! We still treat ourselves to QUALITY nights out every once and a while when it’s something we can’t make (sushi, gourmet vegetarian). Most of the restaurants are dead though. ATLANTA NEEDS TO GROW UP AND OFFER MORE THINGS TO DO IN THIS CITY THAN EAT OUT AND GET FAT! Maybe it’s HIGH-time the museums and other tourist ripoffs (I won’t name names but you know who I’m talking about) stop charging through the nose and offer regular folk some cultural entertainment at a good price.

By bigboom from NY

January 13, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

Eating out has always been a Luxury, not a everyday routine. Now that the economy is tighter then ever it would smart to eat out even less. We have decided to eat out once a month or every other month. I have realized when you go out to eat(family of 5) you will spend upwards of 60-70 dllrs. you can spend half of that in the supermarket and have a meal that last more then the time you sit down to eat.

By Matt

January 13, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Southern Lady (this has to be an oxymoron for you), We all know the connotation behind “thugged out.” Why does EVERY SINGLE blog on the AJC inevitably turn to race? Sheesh……….. Having said that, my family and I eat out about the same, and we have not noticed a decrease in traffic. Maybe the problem lies with the higher end restaurants.

By Smiley

January 13, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

I am not sure how you think Mum is being racist..thugged out does not always mean black, they are white thugs too. Hey but if the shoe fits…

By trickynicky

January 13, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

My boyfriend and I used to eat out A LOT. We were always at TWO, ONE, Strip, or Vine in addition to Willy’s… you get the picture. When gas prices shot up we made the decision to cut back dramatically. We tallied up how much money we spent eating out over a 3 month period and we were floored. Between the two us, the number was in the $1000s. We decided not to go back to our old ways when gas prices went back down. Now we cook most of our meals at home. I enjoy cooking so it’s fun for us. On top of that, cooking more gave us more control over our food (I know it’s clean and I know what’s in it). We’ve saved a ton of money AND WE LOST A LOT OF WEIGHT! Eat at home, people! We still treat ourselves to QUALITY nights out every once and a while when it’s something we can’t make (sushi, gourmet vegetarian). Most of the restaurants are dead though. ATLANTA NEEDS TO GROW UP AND OFFER MORE THINGS TO DO IN THIS CITY THAN EAT OUT AND GET FAT! Maybe it’s HIGH-time the museums and other tourist ripoffs (I won’t name names but you know who I’m talking about) stop charging through the nose and offer regular folk some cultural entertainment at a good price.

By inou

January 13, 2009 2:28 PM | Link to this

I have definitely cut back on eating out mostly because I prefer my own cooking anyway, and I have more important things to spend the money on, like heat and gas. On a special occasion, I might treat myself to many pounds of crab legs and a bottle of wine to be enjoyed in the comfort of my home. At least I know that the food is handled properly.

By Jay

January 13, 2009 2:30 PM | Link to this

Southern Lady…..I believe the topic was about cutting back on eating out….so yeah that 1st comment was out of line….He/She is entitled to their opinion but that restaurants demise may not be related to the demographics of its patrons.

I was at Bonefish in Gwinnett this weekend and it was very busy. My first thoughts were also that it must not be as bad as people think it is. A lot of chain-restaurants Romano’s, Carrabba’s, and Johnny Carino’s all have some awesome 2 for 1 specials and 3-course meal specials.

By Donna

January 13, 2009 2:31 PM | Link to this

It’s more blacks that hang on to racism that any one. Time to quit playing the black card and gain respect for your self. Whites have moved on.. It’s there time now.

By Atlpeach

January 13, 2009 2:33 PM | Link to this

Thanks gagirl cuz I was just going to reply to that ignorant comment. FYI, Ludacris was never a thug. He’s a rapper and entrepreneur. He got his start as an atlanta DJ for the local radio station u morons!!

By Meridith Ford

January 13, 2009 2:39 PM | Link to this

Sheesh! Matt is right: get off the blog if you want to make racist remarks.

By Jay

January 13, 2009 2:42 PM | Link to this

Okay….Donna…..are blacks supposed to ignore it when it is always put out there to stereotype blacks? I agree there are “thuggs” in every culture and ethnicity, but if you have ever been to Straits you would know that most of the patrons are black, hence why offense was taken at the comment.

Hopefully, we will get to a point one day where we can all just get along. idk……………….

By Jazz

January 13, 2009 3:05 PM | Link to this

We used to eat out more for entertainment, but for the past couple of years we eat at home all the time, unless we are traveling. When I splurge on a special meal, I may be spending 20 - 30 dollars per plate plus wine, but it would be at least double or triple that per plate out.

More ordinary, day to day meals, I don’t know how people can afford to eat out so much. Home cooking is generally healthier - a more balanced meal, less fat, less salt. I like the control of being able to season things to my taste. Plus, I like having leftovers for lunches. I am constantly amazed at the number of people who don’t cook.

Cooking is a basic survival skill - for both sexes.

By MountainDawg

January 13, 2009 3:08 PM | Link to this

One of our few spending “luxuries” had been eating out a few times per week. However, having recently moved, having a family of 6 has & with the poor economy it’s meant cutting back. We’ve started at once a week (usually Sundays after church), but we’ll knock that back even further. We usually do lower to “medium” end restaurants…Olive Garden, a Mexican or local pizza joint is about as “upscale” as we go. I love Cracker Barrel, but it’s rare I get there. All in all, we’ll be cutting back on dining out this year.

By Lissa

January 13, 2009 3:10 PM | Link to this

My husband and I have definitely cut back on dining out. We used to eat fast food, take out, and casual dining nearly every night and all weekend long. We’ve decided to change to a healthier and less-expensive lifestyle.

By Louise

January 13, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this

We try to keep it around $20 (for 2). BBQ one night; Mexican; Atl Bread Company soup/sandwich; drink only water, no dessert, no appetizers; but still tip 15% when applicable. Times are tough. Husband lost his job back in the summer (housing market).

By Jthreeatl

January 13, 2009 3:24 PM | Link to this

I got tired of paying high prices at Atlanta restaurants for mediocre food…it’s just not that good. I stopped eating out regularly at least 2 years ago and now only go out a couple of times a week. I do take out more or cook at home.

By reservoirDAWG

January 13, 2009 3:27 PM | Link to this

The economy is not the problem with eating out for my family. My wife started a new diet and now she cooks every night. The recipes she has cooked have been a pleasant surprise.

By Mumdifficult

January 13, 2009 3:31 PM | Link to this

MF, come on, i know your his number one fan, but did you really think robbie and steve at fifth group were gonna put up with Shaun’s “con-sulting” crap. micha’s been there since about 2 weeks after they were open at the taco. steve WAS a fan of shauns, Robbie saw through his b******.

By CRobinson

January 13, 2009 3:33 PM | Link to this

It’s hard to cut back with the schedule my wife and I keep. Both working and children. By the time you get through traffic and help the kids with homework, there isn’t time to cook. Yes it is a crutch at times, but who doesn’t use one from time to time.

By Get Smart

January 13, 2009 3:45 PM | Link to this

We are a childless couple and eat out most of the time, as it is almost as cheap as the grocer and a time saver. We use coupons more and try to eat where we don’t have to tip, as I don’t want to cut back on these folks and sometimes don’t want to be waited on - just want to eat and go! I like salad, so Zaxbys see a lot of us. We don’t care for many mega chains, so we try to frequent the local mom and pops. We cook on Mondays and Tuesdays, usually chili or grill out. Eating out is not that expensive for us, as we drink water (b/c we like it), sometimes split a dish, and never get to dessert. If I had kids, we would be eating at home a lot more. Expensive restaurants are like 4 star hotels, the experience is not worth the cost. Food is food, and with a few exceptions, a moderate restaurant does it up better than the expensive places.

By Chizm

January 13, 2009 3:51 PM | Link to this

I agree with SD. I used to eat out with my wife a lot. Now the kids have come along and things are not quite the same. We just don’t have the time to spend together and and when we do, it is usually just a quickie with no eating out involved. Plus, I just feel that she is not interested any longer. I will keep trying, though.

By micha

January 13, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

My eating out will consist of me picking up 3 T-bones tonight and grilling them out. There’s not a restaurant in ATL that can cook a steak like my hubby. We do eat lunch out most days of the week but like some others we mostly dine at the mom n pop places around town. ATL restaurants serve mediokra food at Atlantis prices. Why would I want to give my money away to them?

By sd

January 13, 2009 3:59 PM | Link to this

Chizm,

I know what you are saying about the kids, but that is why God invented Cartoons.

By gradybaby

January 13, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

I seldom eat out, so when I do, I like to stay local. However, with rising gas prices, food prices, heating, hey everything. I like to stay in, and cook my own meals.

By Christy

January 13, 2009 4:12 PM | Link to this

Yes, we used to eat out 4-5 times a week because there just didn’t seem to be enough time in the day to plan and prepare a meal. Though, since the economy took a dive and we now have less money to spend, we currently plan our meals out on the weekends and shop for an entire week’s worth of groceries at the Farmers Market. So far, it is working out great and we are having fun cooking! We spend a lot less money and have enough food for our breakfast, lunch, dinner and to make our dogs meals. We’ve also found a lot of great sites that have free recipes online that can be saved for future use as part of the registration process. It’s really worked out well for us and we are losing weight in the process! :)

By Christy

January 13, 2009 4:15 PM | Link to this

Yes, we used to eat out 4-5 times a week because there just didn’t seem to be enough time in the day to plan and prepare a meal. Though, since the economy took a dive and we now have less money to spend, we currently plan our meals out on the weekends and shop for an entire week’s worth of groceries at the Farmers Market. So far, it is working out great and we are having fun cooking! We spend a lot less money and have enough food for our breakfast, lunch, dinner and to make our dogs meals. We’ve also found a lot of great sites that have free recipes online that can be saved for future use as part of the registration process. It’s really worked out well for us and we are losing weight in the process! :)

By Flea

January 13, 2009 4:22 PM | Link to this

You betcha we have cut back. If we do we are doing take out Outback,Pizza. Can have a nice glass of wine without the cost at a restaurant. Save on the tipping charge also. But yes I do tip for takeout. I have noticed Buckhead Life with specials on gift cards and dinner specials. Times are rough. I hope the Mom and Pop spots can hang on.

By Steve

January 13, 2009 4:24 PM | Link to this

We eat out a lot less. It is also a lot healthier eating at home!

By Dan

January 13, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

I love eating out. But it amazed me even before the economy turned south that it seemed EVERY week a new HOT restaurant opened up in Midtown, Buckhead and such. How can anyone keep up with so much? If I owned a restuarant these days I’d treat my client like royalty. STILL some dont. Heres hoping our favorites survive. (Gilberts, Mulans, Silk, Ecco, Cypress, Repast) on and on

By Bob

January 13, 2009 4:25 PM | Link to this

My wife and I eat out several times a week. It’s about as cheap as eating in when there are only two of us. We DO often share a meal. The portions are usually too big anyway.

I have an expensive microwavable diet meal almost everyday for lunch. But I have been doing that for a couple of years now. It has nothing to do with the economy.

By LT

January 13, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

Definitely eating out less - lunches especially. I bring mine from home at least 3x/week. If we go out for dinner, it is often to an inexpensive place where we either have a coupon, don’t have to tip, or both. We just can’t afford it right now during this hard economic time. I do love to eat out, but sacrifices must be made sometimes.

By say what

January 13, 2009 4:26 PM | Link to this

What is eating out?

By Grannycares

January 13, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

In August, we stopped eating out two or three times a week, and started eating salads (because they were easy!!!!) at home — at least two or three times a week. We have lost weight; we have saved hundreds of dollars a month; and we are a lot more healthy. My husband and I had gone to a steakhouse on the southside in late August, and the service had not been sterling. This was really what prompted out change to ‘eating in’. Hint to those establishments still open: PROVIDE SERVICE FOR THE REMAINING CLIENTS YOU HAVE, OR THEY ARE LIABLE TO LEARN THE SAME THING MY HUSBAND AND I LEARNED!!!

By EJ

January 13, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

My boyfriend and I still eat out quiet a bit. I have cut back on eating out at lunch though I try to bring my lunch at least once or twice a week. We have started to not order drinks at dinner. Eliminating the alcohol brings the tab way done. I’m going to try to save the extra money to recoup my stock market and investment losses.

By p-low

January 13, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

We’ve even cut back on eating in…

By godoggo

January 13, 2009 4:55 PM | Link to this

To: gagirl

Ummm….i might be wrong but i don’t believe anywhere did i see “Mumdifficult” say, mention, or use any word infusing “race” into his comments…Now, if you take offense to that it must be a personal problem, or one that you reflect upon when the use of “thugged out”….means black, thugged out, racial, criminal activity, crazy rims and shoooooz, etc….dunno. Please tell if i am wrong. Thugged out to me is the play “West Side Story”.

By Jenson

January 13, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this

I eat out once or twice a week. There are some great places in midtown to eat, that won’t break your bank. I love the luau at Cowtippers. Great price, great service and easy parking. I also, love Ponchos on Bufford Highway, great mexican cheap, good service and easy parking. We need to support our economy, put money back into it! Support your local merchants!!! O9’ will be devine!

By Y Diner

January 13, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this

I believe this topic is about dining out, not eating out. I’m still eating out with my wife as much as I did before the recession, but we’re dining out a lot less. Anybody can eat out, rich or poor, employed or jobless.