No matter how many times I pick up a restaurant menu and get sticker shock at the prices I still have this 'need' and so I spoil myself and fill it!


I haven't been to Panera's Bread restaurant in at least 10 years because no matter how fancy they make it up it is still 'fast food'-- not that I have anything against fast food places as you will see it is just if I am going to pay higher prices I expect to be waited on, served while I sit at a table and server takes my order, serves it and then gives me a check.


When I go to a Subway (picture upper left corner) or Arby's (picture below it) I usually have a coupon and the meal will come to less than $10 so I don't mind ordering at the counter, picking it up there, getting my own drink--basically waiting on myself!


And then if I have a pizza delivered (second and third pictures on top) I know there is a delivery charge plus, of course, I will tip the driver, but that is convenience more than service---plus I know better--never order a Domino's or Papa John's pizza when you have a Big Louie's less than a mile from you!


Getting back to Panera's--the 4 bottom pictures--I had a chicken sandwich (smaller than the palm of my hand--seriously) which came with a bag of chips plus I had a coffee and a bear claw--the latter a decent size and it came to $18. I guess I shouldn't complain as I got a paper napkin with it.


On the other hand I sat down in the Outback, had a server take me order, bring me my drink plus a loaf of hot dark bread and then served me a Filet Mignon, 6 chicken wings, a baked potato with sour cream, cheese, butter and julienne cheese on the side in addition to a side of broccoli (3 middle pictures) plus had a cloth napkin, steak and butter knives and 2 forks (and another loaf of bread!) and the check, with tax and tip came to $20.14


Now don't get me wrong I am as comfortable eating in Subway as I am in the Outback but one is having 'lunch' while the other is 'dining'--and both are franchises!


Bottom line is that I will probably not go back to Panera's for another 10 years if then! :O)