Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Go Figure

I think folk were aghast at the cost of the fries that I posted about last weekend. With tax, it was $13:50 for 2 smalls. Mind you the smalls were big, certainly equivalent to some larges elsewhere. I figure that making big sizes and charging more must be more lucrative than making small sizes and charging less.

When we were first married, we could go out to Swiss Chalet for a chicken dinner with fries for under $13 if I recall correctly, and I think that I jolly well do.

Also, in our very early days, when I was still in uni, on Fridays we could pick up fish and chips at a hole-in-the-wall near Sue's workplace. They cost 50 cents, so it was a mere buck for the two of us.

Last summer we, several times, ordered at a fish and chip truck. We paid the price because they were oh so good. But they were expensive. With tax the cost was $16 or $32 for two orders. This was at a truck; this was not table service!

Somehow, we were better able to afford fish and chips better back then, as poor students, than we are now. But I guess we are but poor seniors. 

Go figure.

23 comments:

Ed said...

My guess is that as students, you didn't quite understand the utility of a money in the bank like you do now. I spent a lot of money when I was younger that I wouldn't do so now.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

The difference in prices is amazing from years back to now. We dine in sit down places vs. fast food because if we have to pay more, then at least being able to sit down is an advantage.

Patio Postcards said...

It is unbelievable what "they" are charging for fries (chips).

DJan said...

Yikes! That is really way over the top expensive. And as I remember you didn't even like them that much.

Barbara Rogers said...

Pretty fries at a pretty spot. Not so pretty pricing.

Debby said...

I found an old newspaper in the house we are renovating. How different the prices are! Big Macs, Fries, Coke for less than $2.00. A three bedroom apartment, furnished, for $175, including utilities. It really is mindboggling.

Debby said...

PS: I would not have paid that price for those french fries. I would not have been able to enjoy them.

Jeanie said...

Sometimes you just pay more because you want it. And if you can, why not! I'm a little more willing to accept price increases at restaurants than Rick who says (rightly) "we can make as good or better at home." But when it comes to cooking Mexican or Thai, it's not in my wheelhouse so out I'll go!

Margaret said...

Since it's rare that I go out (lately it's been more frequently) I'm willing to pay for delicious food that I wouldn't generally make at home. Which would be most things since I'm only one person!

RedPat said...

The cost of food is incredible. Every week I come back from the grocery store shaking my head over the price increases.

PipeTobacco said...

I have not had french fries (chips) from a restaurant in a very long time….. probably 4-5 years.

A few times a year we have a french fries (chips) “facsimile” of french fry (chip) shaped potatoes we bake in the oven.

I am not opposed to eating normally prepared (deep fried) french fries (chips)….. but do not like to deep fry anything at home.

Most restaurants NEAR me have what I consider BORING french fries (chips)….. nothing special about them.

But truthfully, when I do crave french fries (chips)…. what I really want is either:

1. Poutine….. and GOOD poutine is only really available in Canada.

2. Chili-Cheese Fries….. and there is no really GOOD C-CF place near me either.

If I see either on my future travels, however….. each would be a potential favored choice.

PipeTobacco

gigi-hawaii said...

It's called inflation, dear.

Granny Sue said...

Wow! What a price for fries! We eat them so seldom I don't have a clue as to the price, but certainly it is under 2.00 for a small order. I remember in McDonald's early years, a coke, fries and a burger was 45 cents! And a shake was 45 cents. Of course, gas was 29 cents a gallon, and making 75.00 a week was considered good pay.

William Kendall said...

The last time I was in a restaurant was in March, with friends, and the food was pretty good.

I inevitably go for poutine instead of fries if I'm getting something from a food truck.

Arlene whitehouse said...

Love your blog ! It’s getting so expensive to eat out! Recently we went to an Italian place we frequented over the years we split a salad and an entree and two pops .the bill was 50:dollars. We remembered how when we first started going here we ccould get two entrees for less than 20 dollars. Inflation is bad!

Marie Smith said...

The prices now are prohibitive for many. The quality of the food is an issue for me too.

The Furry Gnome said...

My mind boggles.

Red said...

Covid has caused prices to soar. We've been spoiled by eating at a casino which subsidizes the restaurant a bit. Breakfast for 5 bucks 2 eggs, 2 sausage and hashbrowns and all the coffee and pop you can drink.

peppylady (Dora) said...

I'm clueless what cost of fries are.
Coffee is on and stay safe.

Joanne Noragon said...

Personally, I simply would not buy them, realizing they probably are inferior quality and overpriced. What causes you to believe they would be anything else. You merely are subsidizing some fool's dream of getting rich quick.

Haddock said...

Ha ha.... I like that last line... but I guess we are but poor seniors.

Jenn Jilks said...

I like fries. To my detriment. You only live once. I think.

MARY G said...

It's the change in the value of the money that makes you choke on the chips. I recall one of my aunts, at my present age, being much the same about inflated prices.
I have to look at my bank account and then go shopping. Otherwise I am just like my aunt, vocal and indignant.
Welcome to the golden age.
Not.