Defining moments

I f I were to describe a defining event for 2011, I would choose eating out on the occasions when my spouse was in the hospital.. I quickly realized that it was not fun eating alone in a  restaurant or diner. However, I was able to buy and eat whatever I wanted, and able to choose places that I wondered about.

One place always had lots of cars at all hours. I stopped there for a grilled cheese sandwich' basically, it was terrible, drab, and uncolored. I crossed that place off my list of places to go. I tried the Dairy Queen a few times. Not much ambiance, but I often met someone I knew from school, and who would engage in some conversation. I skipped Pizza Hut, found okay, but boring food at the place across the street;, overdone, but quick service at the Plaza, and slow but tasty food at Applebees
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The best place for me was Earth Foods, which served hefty portions of tasty food, with  various ethnic choices all at reasonable prices. There was an interesting clientele and an opportunity to talk to people. I liked the placa and went back whenever possible.

And then, finally there is the question of good quality, earth grown food, versus pretty good normal fare. I paid $15 for that lunch in the diner where all the food was locally produced from relishes and beer to milk and burgers. The very next day, in haste, I ate in the hospital cafeteria. Maybe it was the holidays, but I had a well stuffed chicken salad half sandwich on dark pumpernickel roll and a cup of Green Mountain coffee, all for 2.75.

It all makes me wonder: is there sheer quality worth paying for? or is there something to be said for well prepared lesser quality food? How do you know?

So how is this defining? I don't want to eat alone. .