Re-evaluating our Restaurant Support
As the pandemic put the world on hold, many of us ended up spending much more time at home. To reduce housework and add some flavor to the mundane, a lot of us turned to ordering takeout. It’s not just about making life easier; supporting local eateries became a motivation too. However, many have realized that food delivery platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash may not be the best allies to our favorite local restaurants. So, I and my spouse decided to do things a bit differently.
When Variety is the Spice of Life
After a while, we noticed a pattern: we were continuously ordering from the same few joints. To change the monotonous routine, we decided it was time to mix things up. Depending on the day, we would either explore something new nearby, give a forgotten haunt another chance, or randomly pick three joints to order from.
Navigating the World of Food Preferences
Another challenge we faced was managing our diet. At times, we would need to veto a category completely after feeling that we had indulged in it a tad too much during the week. “Too many carbs this week, no pasta” often became a refrain in our house. Thus, diversifying the menu was not just a whim, it was a practical solution too.
Choosing Preferred Platforms over Popular Ones
While many would just place an order via popular food delivery apps, we studied the preferences of the restaurants we frequented. We realized that some eateries prefer orders through their personal sites or specific delivery services. So we decided to align ourselves with their preferences instead of relying on the overhyped apps. It also presented a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with these local businesses, sometimes via a simple phone call, rather than through an impersonal app.
The Fun in Random Selection
There were also days when we decided to toss convention to the wind entirely. Ordering from three randomly-selected places became a thing. Not only did it take the guess work out of deciding what to eat, it was also unexpectedly fun. It brought some much-needed excitement to the otherwise humdrum routine, making our Fridays far more interesting.
The Plan Going Forward
As we continue to navigate this unexpected roller-coaster that is the pandemic-induced lockdown, our revised takeout ordering strategy is one thing we have control over. It’s brought variety, excitement, and a stolen feeling of adventure to our lives. Most importantly, it helps us continue supporting local businesses through these challenging times. Rather than adhering to the rules set by popular food delivery platforms, we are paving our own path to engage with these businesses in a more direct and meaningful way.
Reading this article may have made you reconsider your own food ordering habits. Perhaps it’s time for you to spice up your takeout routine too! Not only will you get to experience new flavours, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you’re ruffling fewer business feathers by opting for preferred platforms. Even if you’re on a diet, this revised takeout strategy can ensure you’re enjoying a balanced and diverse menu!