When will I learn …

[Michael Z]

That if I order the typical item at an Asian-American or Mexican-American restaurant, I am very likely going to get some pre-made frozen item that has been reheated and smothered in some sauce out of a bottle. Next time I go to this type of restaurant for some birthday gathering, I will eat ahead of time and only order an appetizer, or find some simple item on the menu like a hamburger.

Meals made from scratch at home are SO much better!

 

[Alligatorob]

Asian-American or Mexican-American restaurant, I am very likely going to get some pre-made frozen item that has been reheated and smothered in some sauce out of a bottle.

Not just Asian-American or Mexican-American restaurants, most do this.

I had a friend who worked for McCormick foods, he was in product development and these were the products they were developing. Frozen Italian, French, etc meals that were made to look high end and fresh. They even helped the restaurants with suggested names, descriptions, and photos for the menu.

Meals made from scratch at home are SO much better!

All too often true.

 

[Liberty]

The restaurants we frequent do prepare from scratch. This is sad that maybe so many eateries around the country are actually doing freeze' n thaw. Guess you'll just be reduced to ordering fresh salads...real hard to defrost that lettuce...lol.

 

[oldaunt]

Yet another reason I just cook at home. Haven't eaten out in 10 years at least.

 

[Lilac]

We are down to a handful of places to eat at out. So tired of tasteless food that you're charged too much for. My biggest complaint is the oil used at these places is low grade to begin with & not changed as often as it should.

 

[Alligatorob]

This is sad that maybe so many eateries around the country are actually doing freeze' n thaw.

I think most all chain restaurants do, unless the food is prepared while you watch, like Benihana.

A lot of non chain restaurants as well. Its just cheaper and easier and allows the restaurants to feature a lot of items. Freeze and thaw requires less labor and less skilled labor, and is well tried and proven dishes. And often creative menu names and descriptions can hide it. Not an awful thing, but not what a lot of us want when eating out. I am pretty good at thawing a frozen dinner in the microwave.

Sometimes I ask specific ingredient questions, like where did the fish come from or is the beef local... the freeze and thaw folks are less likely to know.

 

[Timewise 60+]

One of our favorite restaurant's has the large kitchen at the back of the seatng area. You can request a seat/ booth on the first row where you overlook the kitchen. You then can watch the chefs cook and see where the ingredients are coming from. It is all fresh food prepared for each person....

That's one reason we like this place and the food is wonderful!

 

[Gaer]

That if I order the typical item at an Asian-American or Mexican-American restaurant, I am very likely going to get some pre-made frozen item that has been reheated and smothered in some sauce out of a bottle. Next time I go to this type of restaurant for some birthday gathering, I will eat ahead of time and only order an appetizer, or find some simple item on the menu like a hamburger.

Meals made from scratch at home are SO much better!

That's perhaps the one reason I enjoy living in New Mexico.
I LOVE good Mexican food and there are so many wonderful Mexican restaurants around here!
You can tell the difference between the ones who throw together pre-made meals and the ones
who cook from scratch. The owners, cooks, servers are all Mexican-Americans. It's yummy!

 

[Bella]

I understand liking to eat out. It's nice to have a meal that you don't have to prepare yourself. I enjoy eating out occasionally but am particular about where I go. Unless you really know the restaurant, eating out is a crapshoot. Questionable ingredients and preparation. If people knew what really goes on in restaurant kitchens, they'd eat out a lot less, or not at all.

 

[Packerjohn]

That if I order the typical item at an Asian-American or Mexican-American restaurant, I am very likely going to get some pre-made frozen item that has been reheated and smothered in some sauce out of a bottle. Next time I go to this type of restaurant for some birthday gathering, I will eat ahead of time and only order an appetizer, or find some simple item on the menu like a hamburger.

Meals made from scratch at home are SO much better!

Not only better but a hundred times healthier. Around here restaurants are getting to be disgusting. Went to one last night. They bunched all the customers in 1 room and 1 outdoor place so the servers would not have to walk too far. The back room was empty.

The noise was unbelievable. All the urbanites were shouting like they were going to die. I had to take my hearing aids out because I couldn't stand the noise. It was the "Restaurant From Hell." Oh, yes, it was Saturday night in a very trendy part of town. I'd rather have a bowl of cereal in my own home then go back to that disgusting hole!

 

[Remy]

I understand liking to eat out. It's nice to have a meal that you don't have to prepare yourself. I enjoy eating out occasionally but am particular about where I go. Unless you really know the restaurant, eating out is a crapshoot. Questionable ingredients and preparation. If people knew what really goes on in restaurant kitchens, they'd eat out a lot less, or not at all.

I feel the same way. I don't eat out anymore.

Sorry about that Michael. I don't think it's that new. I heard of restaurant frozen lasagna back in the 80's.