| It is a simple fact of life that everyone needs to | | | | have to travel a little, a meal at a fancier place will |
| eat. We eat to not only to survive but also for | | | | be well worth it. A birthday or anniversary |
| pleasure. Sometimes it is the pleasure of a | | | | deserves better than a run of the mill burger |
| gourmet who takes delight in the sensual | | | | eaten while wearing jeans and a t-shirt. A fine |
| experience of different textures and tastes. At | | | | restaurant will have a good selection of wine or |
| other times, food is just an excuse to get | | | | beer to go with your food along with a server |
| together with people you like to share some | | | | who can suggest the best beverage choice for |
| laughs and good conversation. Whatever the | | | | your food. The ingredients will usually be local and |
| reason, most of us put some thought into picking | | | | fresh and arranged in interesting combinations. |
| the most appropriate place for the occasion when | | | | Some finer restaurants even have brunches |
| we decide to go out to eat. | | | | where a person in a chef coat might whip you up |
| We are all familiar with chain restaurants. There | | | | an omelet to your taste. Brunch is a great option |
| are the fast food places where you know that | | | | if you do not like a large evening meal. |
| you will always get the same food no matter | | | | In between the chain restaurants and fine dining |
| where in the country you are. Then there are the | | | | there are any number of choices. These vary |
| sit down chain restaurants when you want | | | | from diners where you can get a burger that |
| something a little more upscale but don't want to | | | | hasn't been frozen for months to places that |
| stray outside of your comfort zone. These places | | | | specialize in local food. Everyone should sample |
| are safe, and most of us are most comfortable in | | | | some regional cuisine at some point. Ribs are |
| familiar surroundings. If you choose to eat at a | | | | going to taste better when they've been cooked |
| chain, you know what the restaurant uniforms will | | | | over a pit by a guy in a black apron using his |
| look like. You know you liked the bacon | | | | grandma's recipe then when they have been |
| cheeseburger at this restaurant in your own | | | | created by a food technician in a chain |
| town, so you will probably like it again at t his | | | | restaurants food laboratory. These places usually |
| restaurant in a different town. Chains are an easy | | | | offer good portions at a reasonable price. These |
| choice if you do not feel like cooking tonight and | | | | places are where to go when you are feeling a |
| do not want to spend a lot of money. They are | | | | little adventurous and do not want to spend a lot |
| also a good choice if you are getting together | | | | of money. |
| with friends and know the company will make up | | | | Eating out with other people is a privilege and |
| for the average meal. | | | | pleasure. Whether you eat at a hamburger stand |
| For special occasions, you want to step things up | | | | or a four star restaurant, the important thing is to |
| a notch. Most everywhere will have a few higher | | | | share the joy of spending time together. |
| end restaurants you can pick from. Even if you | | | | |