I Guess The Covid Tax Has Kicked In...

"Let's do lunch in SLC," I told my boss as we decided where to meet for our monthly one-on-one. "Have you ever been to (said place)?"

"Nope," he said.

"They have the best burgers," I said confidently. And so it was decided. We'll meet at (said place).

I checked their website before we went to make sure they were even open--they were. Yesterday my boss drove north and I drove south and we met at the restaurant/diner. We ordered--unfortunately, the dinning hall was not open so we sat in our cars...we did not see a menu. No problem--I've eaten there many times so I knew what I wanted: a burger, rings, and a drink.

"I'll be right back," the masked waitress said as she took my card. My boss and I continued to chat. Soon, the waitress returned, card and receipts in hand.

"That'll be $17.56," she said and my jaw almost hit the pavement. "Ah, okay..." I said taking back my card. 

"You want to add a tip?"

I almost laughed out loud, but I refrained. "Sure...15%."

In the past couple of months, I haven't gotten out much. Sure, we've patronized local eating establishments. Not much has changed. I've heard a conspiracy theory that there will soon be a Covid tax on goods and services to offset the devastating losses businesses are suffering. I have no idea if there's a Covid Tax--hidden or otherwise--and I have no idea if a burger combo meal at (said place) cost that much before the insanity began. It's highly possible. So, I cannot say with certainty that the high price of lunch (I don't remember it costing that much the last time I ate there--I'm pretty sure I would have remembered...) is due to the current events or not.

But, I was shocked.

I understand the basics of capitalism and market forces. If the restaurant did raise their costs, it was needed. Many such businesses will not survive this, raised prices or not. It's basic economics. The food was good, as usual. I don't know if I'll be returning anytime soon--not because of the food or the service, both were excellent--but I can't afford to spend that much on lunch, and meals costing that much need to be budgeted. 

This may be the way of the future--the new normal--I don't know. If it is, we'll be choosing places that are less "shocking" in the future.

Dining At Sapa...An Amazing Experience

Friday last, noon, a few of us met downtown for a business lunch. I should say, at this point in my story, that I don't do many business lunches. The last one I did might have been back in 2013 when I worked at my friend's financial planning office.

Last week I arrived at a restaurant called Sapa. I'd never heard of it, but everyone else had. It took a few minutes for all parties to arrive. They put us in an overflow section--incredible space (I think it was once a mechanic garage...). I could have taken picture after picture of just the room.

But we weren't there for the ambiance--we were there for the sushi!

If I knew more about sushi, I would be able to let you know what it was we ate. I have no idea, but I do know it looked beautiful. I had several items off the twenty-or-so rolls we split between the six of us. The best one was something that's not even on the menu. When that happens, it means those doing the ordering know the place very, very well.

Another thing I'm not used to is having a lunch last almost three hours. 

Yup.

During the workday I eat lunch at my desk. I usually snarf it down as quick as possible in case I get a call. I've got to admit, taking time, enjoying the conversation, hanging out--I had a great time. I could get used to that kind of lunch. Of course, I'd have to be independently wealthy. I have no idea how much our lunch cost, but it had to be expensive.

At my previous business lunch back in 2013 we met at a restaurant and discussed financial plans. We ordered sushi. Personally, I can't remember if I actually had any sushi--I most likely did. So, last Friday was the second time in my life I ate sushi (the first time I remember eating it...).  It might be another six years since it happens again.

Then again, it might happen sooner than that. Time will tell.