“To Go” Or Not “To Go”?

Since most of us have been forced to shelter-in-place, so many of our habits have had to change. Dining out has been one of them and, because it is most often done in a social setting, the guidelines for re-opening our favorite eateries are a bit of a challenge for some establishments.

Many, but sadly not all, restaurants are open for take-out dining. Some have limited menus and a few offer their entire fare.

The question on most people’s minds is whether we can be safe using take out services? The verdict seems to be yes, we can. The risk of transmission via food is actually rather low.

Medical professionals are divided on how much the take out containers must be sanitized before being brought into the home. It is suggested that the food be placed onto serving dishes and re-heated for food safety for hot foods.

Recently it has been announced that surface transmission is not achieved as easily as first thought, so perhaps we don’t have to unwrap our evening meal in the driveway any longer to be able to dispose of the take-out carrying gear.

And while ordering take-out is certainly not the same as a dine-in experience, the pleasure of a familiar taste can be oddly comforting at a time like this. Add to that the fact that many restaurants are offering half price wine and spirits, and you can create a lovely mealtime with not much effort.

It certainly beats all the meal planning that is required to feed the household during the lockdown period. Some restaurants and clubs are even offering a menu of staples such as flour, eggs, milk, butter, fruit, and the ever elusive toilet tissue, to help out with the shortages we have been facing at the retail level.