Friday, May 20, 2011.
Why I Hate Take-Out.
Today's routine contrasted sharply with yesterday's frantic schedule, which was so full that in yesterday's notes I neglected to mention some news from physical therapy. They checked in with my doctor, who confirmed that I must stay off the bad ankle until the screw comes out on Memorial Day. After which, I hope, I will begin to be mobile again, if in a gingerly way.
The dinner at Commander's Palace last night left me satisfied in body and soul all day today. Aside from a scone with my juice and coffee, I had nothing to eat until Mary Ann came home around six. En route home, she called me to ask whether I wanted anything picked up. Nothing came to mind--then I saw the menu for Casa Garcia I use to prod my live radio commercials. I scanned it and found a combination platter for $12.95. It didn't sound like a lot of food.
But it was. It took two large three-compartment take-out trays to hold it all: a chicken enchilada, a tamale, two cheese and onion enchiladas, a beef taco, a tostada, and guacamole salad. I should have read the description more closely, instead of merely the price. (Which was actually $15. My menu is old.)
Also here was a bag of tortilla chips big enough to serve a table of four, and containers of three different sauces. I ate about half of it, plus too many chips with the bean dip and salsa--both of which are very good at Casa Garcia. I don't think I will lose any ounces today.
Now the bad news. Mexican food doesn't travel well. It's a good twenty minutes from the Mandeville restaurant to home, and in that time everything cools and congeals. No matter how good it started out (which I know was very good indeed), it's not very appealing when it arrives.
I'm always telling people not to get take-out. I've been chewed out for giving such advice if I never actually get take-out meals myself. Well, today I tried it, not for the first time, and find it wanting. Strictly for those who have no other choice. Being home-bound with a broken ankle almost, but not quite, qualifies.
Casa Garcia. Mandeville: 800 N Causeway Blvd. 985-951-8226.
