First of all, my apologies—my server sent out duplicate emails last week. Trying to fix the problem.
I recently read an article in the New York times, in which the writer was recommending a certain piece of music as being the perfect background music for restaurants. The short article generated a gazillion impassioned reader comments about their preferred restaurant music. The commenters were in clear agreement about what the best restaurant background music was. Classical? Oldies? Current pop? Rock? See if you can guess.
In the COMMENTS: So many chicken suggestions! Cynthia reminds us that chicken stock is easy and essential to make with the bones, skin, and fat. I think it's one of the best reasons to roast a chicken. Ann makes a recipe that has her turkey wearing falsies–don't miss that one. Natalia, I agree: never ever a factory-raised chicken. Not good for you OR the bird. Rollin kindly gave us a link to a simple but tasty recipe by the great Marcella Hazen. Paula has an easy brining technique and a link to her favorite chicken with olives. Peggy cooks a chicken inside a Dutch oven (actually a common French technique). Julie, your daughter has come a long way, and southern fried chicken may be the best of all.
Speaking of southern, reader Page Robertson sends us her favorite Brunswick Stew recipe. When I was eating meat, this was my favorite food (Page says you can make it vegetarian by substituting jackfruit! Hmm).
Brunswick Stew
Makes 8-10 Qt.—easy to half
- 5-6 lb. whole roaster chicken or equivalent boneless parts
- 1-2 lb. pulled pork, chopped
- 2 sticks butter
- 2 large onions, chopped 1 inch
- 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 inch
- 1 C. thick BBQ sauce
- 1 C. brown sugar
- 1 – 28 oz. can chopped tomatoes
- 1 lb. frozen sliced okra
- 2 lb. frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 Tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tsp. Worchestershire
- ½ tsp. hot sauce
- ½ tsp. cayenne
- ½ tsp smoky paprika or chili powder
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 Tbsp each fresh thyme, rosemary, oregano—pulled from stems
- 4 bay leaves
Cook chicken until just done and chop in bite size pieces. RESERVE BROTH
Saute onions, celery, garlic in butter until tender. Add remaining spices, herbs.
Put all ingredients into soup pot or crockpot and stir. Add chicken broth to cover,
reserve remaining to add if necessary.
Bring to a boil and cook on low/simmer 4 hr. or longer. Correct seasonings, esp.
salt and peppers. We like it spicy. Freeze in serving portions as desired.
Favorite READS: I've been reading The Thursday Murder Club, by Richard Osman. Hilarious and original. And speaking of our reader Page Robertson (above), it happens that her daughter is digital editor of Flower Magazine, which a friend happened to give me a copy of this week. It's a beautiful magazine and you will love their site, which you can find here. My friend Sandi is reading something Parisian that I can't wait to read: My Place at the Table: A Recipe for a Delicious Life in Paris, a memoir by Alexander Lobrano. And my friend Rita found a nifty little cookbook called French Cooking in 10 Minutes. Is that possible?!
57 thoughts on “Dining Out, Conversation Discouraged”
As far as music in restaurants goes, this favourite short story tells it all.
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/Cha.shtml
As far as music in restaurants goes, this favourite short story tells it all.
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/Cha.shtml
As far as music in restaurants goes, this favourite short story tells it all.
http://www.eastoftheweb.com/short-stories/UBooks/Cha.shtml
Many magazines with restaurant listings not only indicate the average cost of the dinner by the number of dollar signs placed at the end of the descriptive blurb but they also indicate the noise level. I always pay attention to both indicators. Personally, my husband and I hate trying to eat while screaming at our dining partners over loud, jangly background music and other ambient noise. This trend is actually my second biggest complaint about restaurant dining. My biggest objection is being served food that is supposed to be piping hot but has sat in the kitchen long enough to have cooled to luke warm or worse. In France this rarely happens but in the US, I usually tell the server that it is important for me to bring out my order right away. This sometimes works.
Many magazines with restaurant listings not only indicate the average cost of the dinner by the number of dollar signs placed at the end of the descriptive blurb but they also indicate the noise level. I always pay attention to both indicators. Personally, my husband and I hate trying to eat while screaming at our dining partners over loud, jangly background music and other ambient noise. This trend is actually my second biggest complaint about restaurant dining. My biggest objection is being served food that is supposed to be piping hot but has sat in the kitchen long enough to have cooled to luke warm or worse. In France this rarely happens but in the US, I usually tell the server that it is important for me to bring out my order right away. This sometimes works.
Many magazines with restaurant listings not only indicate the average cost of the dinner by the number of dollar signs placed at the end of the descriptive blurb but they also indicate the noise level. I always pay attention to both indicators. Personally, my husband and I hate trying to eat while screaming at our dining partners over loud, jangly background music and other ambient noise. This trend is actually my second biggest complaint about restaurant dining. My biggest objection is being served food that is supposed to be piping hot but has sat in the kitchen long enough to have cooled to luke warm or worse. In France this rarely happens but in the US, I usually tell the server that it is important for me to bring out my order right away. This sometimes works.
You have addressed my pet peeve Music in the background, barely audible is fine but blasting is not. Same with videos, news reports, travel blogs etc. where you are unable to hear what the host is saying above the constant noise. No wonder people are so frazzled.
You have addressed my pet peeve Music in the background, barely audible is fine but blasting is not. Same with videos, news reports, travel blogs etc. where you are unable to hear what the host is saying above the constant noise. No wonder people are so frazzled.
You have addressed my pet peeve Music in the background, barely audible is fine but blasting is not. Same with videos, news reports, travel blogs etc. where you are unable to hear what the host is saying above the constant noise. No wonder people are so frazzled.
Lynn, thank you for sharing our “winter hibernation/football” go-to. Even in Alabama! Perhaps you will buy some packaged young jackfruit while you are over here, either at your healthy grocery or from our favorite on-line source. I did buy it to try it for you, but it is still in the pantry! Our grocery has whole jackfruit, looking like a cross between a watermelon and porcupine. Even on You Tube, it looks too intimidating to try carving. Happy Holidays!
Lynn, thank you for sharing our “winter hibernation/football” go-to. Even in Alabama! Perhaps you will buy some packaged young jackfruit while you are over here, either at your healthy grocery or from our favorite on-line source. I did buy it to try it for you, but it is still in the pantry! Our grocery has whole jackfruit, looking like a cross between a watermelon and porcupine. Even on You Tube, it looks too intimidating to try carving. Happy Holidays!
Lynn, thank you for sharing our “winter hibernation/football” go-to. Even in Alabama! Perhaps you will buy some packaged young jackfruit while you are over here, either at your healthy grocery or from our favorite on-line source. I did buy it to try it for you, but it is still in the pantry! Our grocery has whole jackfruit, looking like a cross between a watermelon and porcupine. Even on You Tube, it looks too intimidating to try carving. Happy Holidays!
Thank you, yes i hate the loudness too!
Here in the west everything is bar, brewery themed and 10 tvs!
If enough people quit supporting then maybe they’ll figure it out!
Thank you, yes i hate the loudness too!
Here in the west everything is bar, brewery themed and 10 tvs!
If enough people quit supporting then maybe they’ll figure it out!
Thank you, yes i hate the loudness too!
Here in the west everything is bar, brewery themed and 10 tvs!
If enough people quit supporting then maybe they’ll figure it out!
I too vote for no music or at least very muted classical music. I have a hearing problem and no hearing aid can filter out the blare of loud music. I would rather stay home than sit and smile but not understand conversation in most U.S. restaurants.
I too vote for no music or at least very muted classical music. I have a hearing problem and no hearing aid can filter out the blare of loud music. I would rather stay home than sit and smile but not understand conversation in most U.S. restaurants.
I too vote for no music or at least very muted classical music. I have a hearing problem and no hearing aid can filter out the blare of loud music. I would rather stay home than sit and smile but not understand conversation in most U.S. restaurants.
We are relocating somewhere between Charleston and Jacksonville – it looks like I need that Brunswick Stew Stew in my cookbook! Thank you for that! I totally agree about the music – a soft background can set a lovely mood but the loud, obnoxious noise will ruin a good meal!
We are relocating somewhere between Charleston and Jacksonville – it looks like I need that Brunswick Stew Stew in my cookbook! Thank you for that! I totally agree about the music – a soft background can set a lovely mood but the loud, obnoxious noise will ruin a good meal!
We are relocating somewhere between Charleston and Jacksonville – it looks like I need that Brunswick Stew Stew in my cookbook! Thank you for that! I totally agree about the music – a soft background can set a lovely mood but the loud, obnoxious noise will ruin a good meal!
I vote with you for quiet in restaurants! There are many I refuse to go to here in the Sacramento CA area because the volume of the music prevents conversation.
I vote with you for quiet in restaurants! There are many I refuse to go to here in the Sacramento CA area because the volume of the music prevents conversation.
I vote with you for quiet in restaurants! There are many I refuse to go to here in the Sacramento CA area because the volume of the music prevents conversation.
OOPS, I apologize for not thinking that you have many readers who are not from the south (bless them!), and may not know what pulled pork is. I buy it, usually referred to as from a pork butt, already wood smoked, from one of our wonderful BBQ places(no sauce added). It will be somewhat pulled apart and perhaps chopped, thus the name.
OOPS, I apologize for not thinking that you have many readers who are not from the south (bless them!), and may not know what pulled pork is. I buy it, usually referred to as from a pork butt, already wood smoked, from one of our wonderful BBQ places(no sauce added). It will be somewhat pulled apart and perhaps chopped, thus the name.
OOPS, I apologize for not thinking that you have many readers who are not from the south (bless them!), and may not know what pulled pork is. I buy it, usually referred to as from a pork butt, already wood smoked, from one of our wonderful BBQ places(no sauce added). It will be somewhat pulled apart and perhaps chopped, thus the name.
Oh….. I am with you! Cannot bear the music. If we are really lucky they will turn it down (a bit) My husband lost all hearing in one ear (a virus) and has a hearing aid in the other. So it is truly torture for him. We have been known to get up and leave. Same goes for the lack of soft furnishings these days: I totally agree with Ruth Reichl.
Oh….. I am with you! Cannot bear the music. If we are really lucky they will turn it down (a bit) My husband lost all hearing in one ear (a virus) and has a hearing aid in the other. So it is truly torture for him. We have been known to get up and leave. Same goes for the lack of soft furnishings these days: I totally agree with Ruth Reichl.
Oh….. I am with you! Cannot bear the music. If we are really lucky they will turn it down (a bit) My husband lost all hearing in one ear (a virus) and has a hearing aid in the other. So it is truly torture for him. We have been known to get up and leave. Same goes for the lack of soft furnishings these days: I totally agree with Ruth Reichl.
I haven’t been to the US for about ten years, but too loud music has always been a problem. I guessed the right answer to the NYT survey, by the way. I live in Provence, and occasionally I have been eating with friends when we have had to ask them to turn down the music or seat us elsewhere. I have also left restaurants right at the beginning if the music is loud and obnoxious. I do not play music while I eat at home, why would I want to listen to it if I’m eating out?
bonnie in provence
(formerly in San Diego)
I haven’t been to the US for about ten years, but too loud music has always been a problem. I guessed the right answer to the NYT survey, by the way. I live in Provence, and occasionally I have been eating with friends when we have had to ask them to turn down the music or seat us elsewhere. I have also left restaurants right at the beginning if the music is loud and obnoxious. I do not play music while I eat at home, why would I want to listen to it if I’m eating out?
bonnie in provence
(formerly in San Diego)
I haven’t been to the US for about ten years, but too loud music has always been a problem. I guessed the right answer to the NYT survey, by the way. I live in Provence, and occasionally I have been eating with friends when we have had to ask them to turn down the music or seat us elsewhere. I have also left restaurants right at the beginning if the music is loud and obnoxious. I do not play music while I eat at home, why would I want to listen to it if I’m eating out?
bonnie in provence
(formerly in San Diego)
I once at at a New Orleans style restaurant just outside of Disney Land. The food was incredible, but the music was blaringly loud. We absolutely could not carry on a conversation and the lighting was so low I barely see what I was eating. Now I have some hearing loss, so loud music is a big no no for me.
I once at at a New Orleans style restaurant just outside of Disney Land. The food was incredible, but the music was blaringly loud. We absolutely could not carry on a conversation and the lighting was so low I barely see what I was eating. Now I have some hearing loss, so loud music is a big no no for me.
I once at at a New Orleans style restaurant just outside of Disney Land. The food was incredible, but the music was blaringly loud. We absolutely could not carry on a conversation and the lighting was so low I barely see what I was eating. Now I have some hearing loss, so loud music is a big no no for me.
Right on!!!! We just returned from France and loved being able to have ordinary conversations. We are to the point of choosing only quieter restaurants, which limits us to very few choices in Boise. Preferred background music, quiet classical.
Right on!!!! We just returned from France and loved being able to have ordinary conversations. We are to the point of choosing only quieter restaurants, which limits us to very few choices in Boise. Preferred background music, quiet classical.
Right on!!!! We just returned from France and loved being able to have ordinary conversations. We are to the point of choosing only quieter restaurants, which limits us to very few choices in Boise. Preferred background music, quiet classical.
Another wonderful post,dear Lynn,accompanied by beautiful pictures.What a perfect combination!!
I couldn’t be in more agreement with either you or your readers:no faster way to make me evacuate a place than blaring or obnoxious music! Let’s face it–these days(or any days,for that matter)eating out with friends is a special treat,and nobody has the right to destroy that pleasure for anyone else.
I especially enjoyed your book selections,and just ordered (on kindle) My Place At The Table(sounds delightful!)
I have two magazines to suggest for enjoyable reading.FRANCE Magazine(which never fails to be great), and BIEN DIRE,which is bilingual and is a great source of learning on top of the educational articles.
Another wonderful post,dear Lynn,accompanied by beautiful pictures.What a perfect combination!!
I couldn’t be in more agreement with either you or your readers:no faster way to make me evacuate a place than blaring or obnoxious music! Let’s face it–these days(or any days,for that matter)eating out with friends is a special treat,and nobody has the right to destroy that pleasure for anyone else.
I especially enjoyed your book selections,and just ordered (on kindle) My Place At The Table(sounds delightful!)
I have two magazines to suggest for enjoyable reading.FRANCE Magazine(which never fails to be great), and BIEN DIRE,which is bilingual and is a great source of learning on top of the educational articles.
Another wonderful post,dear Lynn,accompanied by beautiful pictures.What a perfect combination!!
I couldn’t be in more agreement with either you or your readers:no faster way to make me evacuate a place than blaring or obnoxious music! Let’s face it–these days(or any days,for that matter)eating out with friends is a special treat,and nobody has the right to destroy that pleasure for anyone else.
I especially enjoyed your book selections,and just ordered (on kindle) My Place At The Table(sounds delightful!)
I have two magazines to suggest for enjoyable reading.FRANCE Magazine(which never fails to be great), and BIEN DIRE,which is bilingual and is a great source of learning on top of the educational articles.
Well, Lynn. You certainly pushed a lot of buttons. And I’m with you–entirely. On the other hand, I haven’t been inside (or outside on a patio) a restaurant for about two years. Years ago, maybe even as many as 20, the supermarkets here started playing music in the background. Now they all do. There was a time when my work life/childrearing/wife-ing had me stretched to the limit so I shopped very late at night–sometimes close to midnight. I distinctly remember requesting that the damned music (I didn’t say “damned” to the supermarket staff, of course.) be turned off for a while as I was perhaps one of three (on a good day) shoppers in the store. Only once was my request honored. Anyway, thanks for 1) venting for us, and 2) letting us all vent as well. May there be peace at the table. . .
Chris
Well, Lynn. You certainly pushed a lot of buttons. And I’m with you–entirely. On the other hand, I haven’t been inside (or outside on a patio) a restaurant for about two years. Years ago, maybe even as many as 20, the supermarkets here started playing music in the background. Now they all do. There was a time when my work life/childrearing/wife-ing had me stretched to the limit so I shopped very late at night–sometimes close to midnight. I distinctly remember requesting that the damned music (I didn’t say “damned” to the supermarket staff, of course.) be turned off for a while as I was perhaps one of three (on a good day) shoppers in the store. Only once was my request honored. Anyway, thanks for 1) venting for us, and 2) letting us all vent as well. May there be peace at the table. . .
Chris
Well, Lynn. You certainly pushed a lot of buttons. And I’m with you–entirely. On the other hand, I haven’t been inside (or outside on a patio) a restaurant for about two years. Years ago, maybe even as many as 20, the supermarkets here started playing music in the background. Now they all do. There was a time when my work life/childrearing/wife-ing had me stretched to the limit so I shopped very late at night–sometimes close to midnight. I distinctly remember requesting that the damned music (I didn’t say “damned” to the supermarket staff, of course.) be turned off for a while as I was perhaps one of three (on a good day) shoppers in the store. Only once was my request honored. Anyway, thanks for 1) venting for us, and 2) letting us all vent as well. May there be peace at the table. . .
Chris
Music in restaurants is, and has always been, a pet peeve of mine. To start, I’m a musician and it’s difficult for me to focus on conversation when music is playing, because my poor brain can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so I’m mentally bouncing back and forth between conversation and music. Also, everyone has different taste in music, but apparently restaurants that foist their idea of music on customers never give it a thought. But the problem occurs here in France, too, and it’s getting worse. A couple of years ago I went to a restaurant I like in a very small village, and they were blasting some techno-pop from speakers outside the restaurant, in this little bucolic village. Since myself and a couple were the only customers on the terrace, I asked for the music to be turned down. The substitute was some very fast tempo bebop jazz. When I complained, the server (wife of the owner) responded, “but it’s Miles Davis” as though that made it alright. Needless to say, I haven’t been back. So my vote is for NO music, or very soft classical.
Music in restaurants is, and has always been, a pet peeve of mine. To start, I’m a musician and it’s difficult for me to focus on conversation when music is playing, because my poor brain can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so I’m mentally bouncing back and forth between conversation and music. Also, everyone has different taste in music, but apparently restaurants that foist their idea of music on customers never give it a thought. But the problem occurs here in France, too, and it’s getting worse. A couple of years ago I went to a restaurant I like in a very small village, and they were blasting some techno-pop from speakers outside the restaurant, in this little bucolic village. Since myself and a couple were the only customers on the terrace, I asked for the music to be turned down. The substitute was some very fast tempo bebop jazz. When I complained, the server (wife of the owner) responded, “but it’s Miles Davis” as though that made it alright. Needless to say, I haven’t been back. So my vote is for NO music, or very soft classical.
Music in restaurants is, and has always been, a pet peeve of mine. To start, I’m a musician and it’s difficult for me to focus on conversation when music is playing, because my poor brain can only concentrate on one thing at a time, so I’m mentally bouncing back and forth between conversation and music. Also, everyone has different taste in music, but apparently restaurants that foist their idea of music on customers never give it a thought. But the problem occurs here in France, too, and it’s getting worse. A couple of years ago I went to a restaurant I like in a very small village, and they were blasting some techno-pop from speakers outside the restaurant, in this little bucolic village. Since myself and a couple were the only customers on the terrace, I asked for the music to be turned down. The substitute was some very fast tempo bebop jazz. When I complained, the server (wife of the owner) responded, “but it’s Miles Davis” as though that made it alright. Needless to say, I haven’t been back. So my vote is for NO music, or very soft classical.
One of my pet peeves as well is going to a restaurant where there is nothing to deaden the noise of the people there, I don’t understand why they do that. It’s very annoying
One of my pet peeves as well is going to a restaurant where there is nothing to deaden the noise of the people there, I don’t understand why they do that. It’s very annoying