Dine In or Dine Out? I’ve Got My Answer

Caeser Salad with Salmon from Mango II Cuisine
Tony ordered this simple Caesar salad with salmon, but it was the beautifully carved carrot that so impressed me. That must have been a really big carrot!

 

Dine out! Lately, it seems, the answer is always, dine out. I realize this may not be the healthiest option, but it sure is enjoyable.

In the last year, Tony and I have embraced the concept of eating out. I am sure it comes with the stage of life we are in and the age of our children, but we have reached a point when sitting down to a relaxing meal outside the home, with or without the kids, is ultimately satisfying. My waist line isn’t so sure about all of this, but I’m in a YOLO (you only live once) state of mind, so I’m going with it for now.

Then

Let’s be honest, at certain points of child-rearing, a meal was simply a means to an end to fend off hunger. When the girls were little we did family dinners. While the little lovelies fidgeted in their seats, Tony and I sat exhausted wondering who’d have the most energy to do the dishes following the meal. Finger on my nose  – you’re it!

Now

Today, we have teens who are more independent and, suddenly, time is back on our side.

It’s funny – the very thing that prevented us from being able to dine out more often is now the thing that is enabling it…youth sports!

In the past, the kids’ schedules were erratic. We were either unable to or too tired to dine out on a regular basis.

This year, activities are more manageable and, currently, both girls are fully engaged in basketball season. Meanwhile, Tony and I find ourselves with more free time.

We have now made a habit of using the time during practices, after drop-offs and before or after games to dine out. Time might allow for a full meal or maybe just an appetizer or cocktail. We look forward to the time to catch up with one another or friends who join us. The more we go out the more we want to. Basketball has never been so much fun. Take a look at this fabulous food, and drink, we enjoyed at a little Thai restaurant in Tewksbury.  We discovered Mango II Cuisine before a basketball game on Friday night.

 

3 olives & a twist martini at Mango II Cuisine
A thing of beauty
appetizers and cocktails from Mango II Cuisine
Two apps and a cocktail made a perfect pre-game meal.
coconut soup with mushrooms and chicken from Mango II Cuisine
I wanted something different -I ordered this coconut soup with mushrooms and chicken and was wowed. So good!

 

I do feel guilty that I don’t cook at home more often these days. Truthfully, I don’t love to cook and there are very few meals I can prepare that everyone in my house will eat. Between allergies and picky eaters (one of whom is an adult and not me!) preparing meals at home is laborious and frustrating. So, I’m over it.

My dream is to be a city girl someday. I want to walk to restaurants of all kinds for brunch, lunch or dinner.  I want to try new foods and dine out in cool, new settings.

So, while I wait for my dream to become a reality, I will live it right here in the suburbs I call home.

Cheers and Bon appetite!

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7 years ago

Reuse and recycle is a great message all the way around! On the subject of light bulbs, energy efficient ones are always a money saver but also have your elatirccel system checked if you go through more bulbs than you thing you should.

Ginny
7 years ago

Nice shout out for Mango, we like it there too. Maybe we could do dinner or lunch there soon

7 years ago

The Thai restaurants seem to be putting out some fabulous cocktails to go with the gorgeous food. The cocktail is one of the best parts of eating out, wouldn’t you agree?

Andrew
7 years ago

Great post.

AllyD
7 years ago

Eating out is my most favorite thing ever!

kiki
7 years ago

I’m moving over to the dark side. Never thought I would. LOVE eating out!

Carolyn
7 years ago

So agree👍