Saturday, January 14, 2006

 

No, I wouldn't like to hear the specials...

Last night E and I went to...well, you know where, and we had a great time. Towards the end of the night, I started talking to this random guy who went to my school. I recognized him, but I didn't know his name, year, or any other information (and still don't, actually, except for his first name.) He looks like a total dork, and he works the image for all it's worth. He's so dorky that all the super duper "cool" guys love him.

Apparently this was on his mind, because out of the blue he asked me if I smoke pot. I replied in the negative, and he said that smoking it would make me philosophical. I replied that I'm already philosophical enough, thank you.

He asked me why I didn't want to try marijuana, and I responded that I simply did not want to, and did not have interest in it. Quite basically, I've never had the urge.

He then went off on a semi-tirade, designed to help me throw off the oppressive shackles of society's laws. Said that alcohol is more potent, that it's not crack, that the only reason I don't smoke is because it's illegal. I told him that there are plenty of legal things that I could do, but choose not to. For example, bungee jumping. Or skydiving. They are out there in the realm of possibilities, but I have zero desire to partake in the joys. Same with pot. It's out there, I could get it...but I just don't want to.

I have to wonder if he's like a child, that if something is an option, he'll automatically try it. Perhaps he's adventurous, the "I'll try everything once" sort.

Me? Naah. I'm the annoying, provincial person who gets the same thing every time I go to restaurants. At Luna, I get the open-faced turkey sandwich. At Richardi's, I get the large chicken cutlet sub, with mayo and a little bit of lettuce. At most Asian restaurants, pineapple fried rice (sans shrimp). And all with Pepsi, please.

I'm not opposed to trying new things, but I generally get the same thing for a couple of reasons. The first is that, well - to clarify, when I eat something that I enjoy, I have a great time. I'm sure it's the same for everyone, but I want to point out that if I love to eat a certain meal, the meal experience is just fantastic. And this may be a sign of an eating problem, but it makes me happy, dammit. Truly happy.

So, back to the reasons. Good pineapple fried rice is delicious. There may be other things on the menu that sound vaguely appealing, but I've found something that works, and I'm going to stick to it. You may be thinking... "well meg, what if there's something better there and you're not trying it?" I'll definitely try it...the day that I don't want pineapple fried rice.

Also, since I'm in relatively a low notch on the socio-economic scale, I don't want to waste money on a meal that could be a disappointment, especially when I have a sure bet right in front of me. There's nothing more frustrating than choking down a nasty dinner.

Please don't get me wrong - I do try new things. For example, Thursday night I had duck for the first time. It's been on my mind for quite some time, but I hadn't either a) been someplace that serves it or b) felt like missing out on a classic fav. But I went to a new (to me) restaurant Thursday, and since it was for Restaurant Week, I felt as though the cost wouldn't be a big loss if I found the entree disgusting.

Well, the word that came to mind was "succulent." And it gave me pause to think of eating one of the little guys. I love ducks, they're so plump and cute. And it was weird to be chomping on the plumpness. I'll certainly be eating it again, although probably not very often. Along with the duck came sweet potato fries, and they were FANTASTIC. I'd actually take those over the duck any day.

And today I had Pad Thai at Noodles & Co, something else that I've never had before. And sprouts. They were delighfully watery, although the taste left something to be desired.

(and isn't it funny how I'm insecure about this, so I feel it necessary to list in detail every recent new thing that I've tried?)

So, I used to feel sheepish and loser-like for always getting the same thing, especially when others extol the virtues of sampling the smorgasbord in front of them. But my little conversation with my fellow bar-goer helped me to realize that knowing what I like is not a bad thing. And that just because something is an option on the menu of life, I don't have to feel guilty about not trying it.

Comments:
I'm the same way, I always get the same thing. It's not so much a matter of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" so much as me wanting to enjoy what I'm eating and not particularly wanting to risk hating something and going away hungry.

I mean, there's nothing wrong with finding something you enjoy and enjoying it!
 
I always try and eat something unique to the restaurant I am in, but I never try anything new. I also don't want to hate it and then half to pay for/eat it too thing. I actually generally assume that I don't like anything that I haven't tried.
 
I am the same way Meg. If there is something at a resturant I know I like I tend to get it everytime, who cares if there is other stuff to try out, I don't want to end up getting something that tastes gross and then be upset over it. I'll get my usual chicken fingers or bacon cheesebuger with a side of fries and it will be delicious and I will enjoy eating it. YUM ... all this talk about food makes me want some :)
 
Post a Comment

<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?