Food and Recipes while under Coronavirus quarantine #5

[Puzzles8]

Regarding tipping: we often order pizza from a local pizza restaurant that we like. We always order for carry out, and when we pick it up and slide our credit card the screen defaults to adding a 30% tip. You can uncheck the box if you don’t want to tip 30%, but it always annoys me that it defaults to 30% tip for a pizza that you walk in and pick up at the register.

Wow, a 30% automatic tip, that is outrageous for a carry out order. I'm sure most customers did not even notice that additional charge.

During the pandemic, we did tip generously on our carry-out orders. Restaurants and their employees were trying to keep their heads above water.

Right now most restaurants are back to normal operations.

JMO

 

[whiterhino]

Not to stray OT but to add to the subject of tipping, I've been getting tripped up with tipping delivery drivers.

Most often I use an app or online service to order food which means paying for the order up front. I've noticed that there are times when the food or delivery service is not exactly timely or correct but by then it's too late! They already have the money!

Could it be the amount I've tipped is the reason why my order is sometimes not 100% as it should be? Not asking anyone in particular, just thinking out loud here and wondering what the appropriate % is for a delivery driver from say, Skip or DD?

Lastly, does anyone else feel more inclined to give a bigger tip to their local places as opposed to "big box delivery services"? Personally I feel more obliged knowing these people are "local" (regardless if the food is suspiciously commercial iykwim). Just curious!

 

[IceIce9]

Wow, a 30% automatic tip, that is outrageous for a carry out order. I'm sure most customers did not even notice that additional charge.

During the pandemic, we did tip generously on our carry-out orders. Restaurants and their employees were trying to keep their heads above water.

Right now most restaurants are back to normal operations.

JMO

Yes, we tipped generously during COVID as well. Here in the county where I live all inside dining was closed, it was drive-thru and curbside only.

My friends and I tried to support the local mom& pop restaurants then as much as we could. Our favorite Mexican restaurant opened only a year or so before the pandemic started. It was family owned, and 9 brothers and sisters put their money (and credit) together to purchase a building and create this restaurant to honor their family recipes.
All their entrees are attributed to their mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. from the same village in Mexico.

They were having a time, so every weekend my friends and I ordered from there and tipped them well. We had gone there often enough bystanders they knew our usual order, and when they saw my name on their called ID they would just recite our order and ask when we wanted to pick it up.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Wow, a 30% automatic tip, that is outrageous for a carry out order. I'm sure most customers did not even notice that additional charge.

During the pandemic, we did tip generously on our carry-out orders. Restaurants and their employees were trying to keep their heads above water.

Right now most restaurants are back to normal operations.

JMO

I read many restaurant reviews and have noticed complaints about restaurants that have an automatic tip or "service charge", usually 18-20%. Customers who are unaware of the practice and don't carefully review their check end up paying the surcharge and leave a standard gratuity, as well. Tipping should be based on service rendered and at the discretion of the patron/s - not an enforced charge by the restaurant. JMO

 

[PayrollNerd]

The produce pick up yesterday was big. I need to find a home for the peppers. There’s too many! I am making a new gluten free squash casserole recipe today. I have it ready to bake but it’s too hot to turn the oven on just yet.

My oldest is visiting and likes to make a sweet potato & butternut squash soup. It’s rather hot for soup here. She’s going to take them home (FL panhandle area).

She makes good tzatiki so I’m hoping she can help me learn to make it. I tried once and it’s wasn’t great. Her friend is having their annual margarita party soon. I think I’ll gift them some limes! Ha!

 

[IceIce9]

Not to stray OT but to add to the subject of tipping, I've been getting tripped up with tipping delivery drivers.

Most often I use an app or online service to order food which means paying for the order up front. I've noticed that there are times when the food or delivery service is not exactly timely or correct but by then it's too late! They already have the money!

Could it be the amount I've tipped is the reason why my order is sometimes not 100% as it should be? Not asking anyone in particular, just thinking out loud here and wondering what the appropriate % is for a delivery driver from say, Skip or DD?

Lastly, does anyone else feel more inclined to give a bigger tip to their local places as opposed to "big box delivery services"? Personally I feel more obliged knowing these people are "local" (regardless if the food is suspiciously commercial iykwim). Just curious!

I have only used food delivery a few times, I think three times in the past five or six years. Two out of three experiences weren’t good. I usually only order delivery when the restaurant delivers their own food.

I don’t like that you pay and tip ahead of time with Door Dash, Uber Eats, etc.

The last time I ordered a few months ago I used Uber Eats, paid and tipped on the app. The food was delivered late and part of my order was missing. I contacted Uber Eats for a refund of the food we didn’t receive and was told they do not give refunds. They said I could leave a negative review for the restaurant if I wasn’t satisfied. It wasn’t the fault of the restaurant, and of course I didn’t leave a negative review for the restaurant.

How can Uber Eats have a “no refund” policy when you pay ahead of time and don’t receive food that you paid for?

Another reason I don’t like food delivery services is they charge the restaurants 30% of the food price for the service. Food delivery services get paid by the customer AND the restaurant.

Some of the local restaurants I have visited have signs posted saying they don’t participate in food delivery services.

Finally, since I travel for work I usually consult Yelp reviews to find restaurants. So many times a good restaurant will have their rating go down because people are really reviewing the delivery service issues and not the restaurant. They will give a one star review like, “Ordered Door Dash and delivery was an hour late and our food was cold.”

Many time I have been in a restaurant and a delivery driver picks up several orders for different addresses at the same time, you know that someone is going to get cold food because they won’t be able to deliver them all first.

About a year ago I listened to a business podcast that was all about food delivery services. It was very bad about what happens to restaurants, especially mom and pop places. One example is that the food delivery services get restaurant owners to sign contracts to pay for online or app ordering, and it is especially difficult for small restaurant owners who might speak English as a second language.

 

[Mert]

Food delivery services like those have never appealed to me, and I don’t even have all the info about them to feel that way.
I am surprised to hear that they would not refund your order and will definitely never use one. I have used pizza delivery from local pizzerias just a handful of times and they were good experiences.
These companies (including rideshare) just give me the feeling that they are too large to have oversight that is appropriate.
Just not for me!

 

[PayrollNerd]

The new gluten free squash casserole was delicious! I modified the recipe with the GF crackers and I used the entire box. I certainly wasn’t counting out 35 crackers! I used medium cheddar because that’s what I had on hand.

I added a tablespoon of diced garlic to the squash & onion in the skillet. The onions were from my garden. Even tho I added the 1/4 cup water, there wasn’t any juice to drain. But I didn’t cook it to death either.

I did bake it a bit more than I should have. It was crunchy, not soggy. Next time, I will add more cheese, maybe 1 1/2 cup, instead of the 1 cup it calls for.

The recipe I used years ago called for a can of Cream of Mushroom soup. But I had always switched it out with Cream of Celery (mushroom allergy). Once we knew the girls had to be GF, I never made it again. We are happy to have this back on our menu! This new version isn't as heavy, much lighter and tasty.

My oldest made baked chicken thighs and tzatziki. I sautéed chicken tenders.

 

[Puzzles8]

The new gluten free squash casserole was delicious! I modified the recipe with the GF crackers and I used the entire box. I certainly wasn’t counting out 35 crackers! I used medium cheddar because that’s what I had on hand.

I added a tablespoon of diced garlic to the squash & onion in the skillet. The onions were from my garden. Even tho I added the 1/4 cup water, there wasn’t any juice to drain. But I didn’t cook it to death either.

I did bake it a bit more than I should have. It was crunchy, not soggy. Next time, I will add more cheese, maybe 1 1/2 cup, instead of the 1 cup it calls for.

The recipe I used years ago called for a can of Cream of Mushroom soup. But I had always switched it out with Cream of Celery (mushroom allergy). Once we knew the girls had to be GF, I never made it again. We are happy to have this back on our menu! This new version isn't as heavy, much lighter and tasty.

My oldest made baked chicken thighs and tzatziki. I sautéed chicken tenders.

Not only do I love the recipe ideas, but the pictures are so appreciated!
I am a visual learner!

Take care

 

[PayrollNerd]

Oops! I meant to link the squash casserole recipe I used. Here’s more pictures too. We baked off some GF chocolate chip cookies too.

Squash Casserole

This easy squash casserole features tender squash, gooey cheese, and crunchy crackers that make this a memorable side dish or a hearty main course.

www.allrecipes.com

 

[PayrollNerd]

My mornings work:

Lima beans in the crock pot at 6:30am.

I made myself a Greek omelet & English Muffin for breakfast.

Baked a double batch of gluten free banana bread.

Baked gluten free cornbread to go with the limas.

I’ve got all the ceiling fans going to get the house cooled off quicker. It’s another scorcher but we did get a little rain at dawn. 91 deg. & feels like 105 deg.

 

[iamshadow21]

My mornings work:

Lima beans in the crock pot at 6:30am.

I made myself a Greek omelet & English Muffin for breakfast.

Baked a double batch of gluten free banana bread.

Baked gluten free cornbread to go with the limas.

I’ve got all the ceiling fans going to get the house cooled off quicker. It’s another scorcher but we did get a little rain at dawn. 91 deg. & feels like 105 deg.

Meanwhile, in Australia, current temp is 5C (41F). It is nighttime, but it is coooold. It's meant to get to 1C (33F) by 4am.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

My mornings work:

Lima beans in the crock pot at 6:30am.

I made myself a Greek omelet & English Muffin for breakfast.

Baked a double batch of gluten free banana bread.

Baked gluten free cornbread to go with the limas.

I’ve got all the ceiling fans going to get the house cooled off quicker. It’s another scorcher but we did get a little rain at dawn. 91 deg. & feels like 105 deg.

As I read your new food posts this morning, all I could think of was how hot your house must be when you're using your oven Even with A/C and ceiling fan in the kitchen, I avoid using the oven as much as possible during the summer. I admire your tenacity in producing all that delicious food despite the heat.

While it hasn't been too hot for the past week or so, we can't open windows due to the smoky air drifting from the Canadian wildfires. This is the third day in a row that we have an "air quality alert" advising people to avoid being outdoors for extended periods of time. Mask wearing is encouraged, and several municipalities are offering masks for those who don't have them. The sky is hazy from the smoke, and the smell of a campfire permeates the air. Hopefully, there is rain in the forecast for the next few days that will clear the air.

DH will make a Costco run tomorrow, and we need a major grocery trip to Nino's. We have no special plans for the holiday but will probably go out to dinner over the weekend.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Meanwhile, in Australia, current temp is 5C (41F). It is nighttime, but it is coooold. It's meant to get to 1C (33F) by 4am.

There are parts of the US that are experiencing dangerous scorching temperatures. I'm sure they would welcome your winter weather right about now. Make some tea or hot chocolate, cozy up with a fleecy throw, and read a good book

 

[iamshadow21]

There are parts of the US that are experiencing dangerous scorching temperatures. I'm sure they would welcome your winter weather right about now. Make some tea or hot chocolate, cozy up with a fleecy throw, and read a good book

I'm drinking mineral water, my offbrand oodie is within reach, I had sushi for dinner, and I'm 'cosying up' with the Letby threads from January. (I'm sure it's not most folks idea of cosy, but I couldn't handle Letby and Quinton at the same time when I joined WS, and Quinton won out. Finally felt emotionally ready for Letby.) I did get three true crime books in the post today though! So reading a physical book is in my near future. All rereads, but I haven't read them in about five years, so almost new-to-me.

 

[Tbone144]

There are parts of the US that are experiencing dangerous scorching temperatures. I'm sure they would welcome your winter weather right about now. Make some tea or hot chocolate, cozy up with a fleecy throw, and read a good book

We are still in camper in central TX. We keep shades drawn and no cooking while the sun is high. Sandwiches and cold salads and fresh fruit. I miss the cold. Warmest it’s gotten inside is 87. Can’t wait to get into our buildout, drywall is going up so we are close.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

We are still in camper in central TX. We keep shades drawn and no cooking while the sun is high. Sandwiches and cold salads and fresh fruit. I miss the cold. Warmest it’s gotten inside is 87. Can’t wait to get into our buildout, drywall is going up so we are close.

I feel for folks who are having to endure the excessive heat in some parts of the US. Best to limit outdoor activity and stay well-hydrated. It was near 90* here yesterday, and we still have smoke drifting down from the Canadian wildfires. We are in the fourth day of an "air quality alert", and residents are encouraged to limit time outside, especially those who have asthma, COPD, or other breathing issues. There is heavy haze, and when you step outside, it smells like something is burning. Rain has been teased for a few days, but so far, we haven't had much precipitation.

DH went to Costco yesterday, and we both went to Nino's before dinner at Picano's. Rotisserie chicken from Costco will make several meals, and I will make a pasta salad with chunks of salami and Provolone. We're planning burgers on the 4th, and California BLTs next week, too.

If you're traveling over the holiday weekend, please be safe.

 

[iamshadow21]

I feel for folks who are having to endure the excessive heat in some parts of the US. Best to limit outdoor activity and stay well-hydrated. It was near 90* here yesterday, and we still have smoke drifting down from the Canadian wildfires. We are in the fourth day of an "air quality alert", and residents are encouraged to limit time outside, especially those who have asthma, COPD, or other breathing issues. There is heavy haze, and when you step outside, it smells like something is burning. Rain has been teased for a few days, but so far, we haven't had much precipitation.

DH went to Costco yesterday, and we both went to Nino's before dinner at Picano's. Rotisserie chicken from Costco will make several meals, and I will make a pasta salad with chunks of salami and Provolone. We're planning burgers on the 4th, and California BLTs next week, too.

If you're traveling over the holiday weekend, please be safe.

From a veteran of bushfires my whole life - if you have an N95 mask handy, as most of us do after years of COVID, wear it if you're outside your home or inside with the windows open. Before COVID hit, we had the Black Summer. Most of us were masking up for over six months before COVID hit our shores. I don't think we saw blue sky for about four months solid. Some days the smoke was so thick, I couldn't see much beyond the other side of the street. One day, it was 48.9C. My town was literally the hottest place on earth that day. If you can smell the smoke, you're breathing it in, and it's really not good for you, whether you have preexisting lung issues or not. If it's a strong smell, assume that breathing it without a mask is going to be like taking up a pack a day habit. It's not just clean wood smoke, it's the chemicals they sometimes use in firefighting, anything plastic or chemical that gets burnt and aerosolised, and so on...

 

[acutename]

From a veteran of bushfires my whole life - if you have an N95 mask handy, as most of us do after years of COVID, wear it if you're outside your home or inside with the windows open. Before COVID hit, we had the Black Summer. Most of us were masking up for over six months before COVID hit our shores. I don't think we saw blue sky for about four months solid. Some days the smoke was so thick, I couldn't see much beyond the other side of the street. One day, it was 48.9C. My town was literally the hottest place on earth that day. If you can smell the smoke, you're breathing it in, and it's really not good for you, whether you have preexisting lung issues or not. If it's a strong smell, assume that breathing it without a mask is going to be like taking up a pack a day habit. It's not just clean wood smoke, it's the chemicals they sometimes use in firefighting, anything plastic or chemical that gets burnt and aerosolised, and so on...

we have had a few episodes of the Canadian smoke and I was very happy to have N95s around. On a particularly bad day, I even put an old one on my dog- he has a long nose and my N95 fit him pretty well.

 

[Puzzles8]

We live in Northern Illinois. Several years ago we had a very overcast summer due to Canadian wildfires.
This year it is happening again. Last week not only were the skies overcast with an orange haze, but one day we could actually smell burning wood in the air. That was a first.

All I can do is to say prayers for those in the path of those wildfires.
JMO