Order in the (Food) Court!

Even though I say every year I’m going to be prepared and not go to the mall the last few days before Christmas, I always end up going – I can’t help it. I think I secretly love the rush of finding a gift when I know that time is running out. This year has proved to be more challenging than previous years but I was up to the task. However, while on the search for the perfect gift, other things (such as eating dinner) get sidetracked. During this busy season I don’t always have time (nor do I have the desire) to go home and cook a meal after I’ve been shopping all evening. I mention going to a restaurant to my husband who says "That's too expensive. Why don't we just eat at Food Court?"

Ah yes, food court. An “oasis” amidst the hustle and bustle of the shopping crowds. A place to sit, relax, fill your tummy and quench your thirst. Choices lined up side-by-side: Greek food, Korean food, sushi, burgers, subs, New York Fries, Orange Julius, KFC, and pizza…the list is almost endless and guaranteed to satisfy whatever you’re craving. Everyone can get something they want. Everyone that is, except me.

I’ve never done well in Food Court. I don’t think there’s ever been a time where I was completely satisfied with what I got. And it’s not because of the quality of the food. I mean, food court food, is usually consistent. You pretty much know what you’re getting. No, it’s not that. With me I always have dilemmas. First, what do I eat? There is so much to choose from! Too much, in fact. I go from vendor to vendor, trying to decide what I want. Looking at the pictures of noodles or greek salad with chicken souvlaki or gooey pepperoni pizzas, getting taken in by smells and seeing other people’s delight at what they’ve chosen. Unfortunately, the assault on my senses is too much. It causes me to be extremely indecisive. Eventually, I’ll see my husband, or sister or friends (whoever I came to the mall with) sitting down enjoying their meals, while I, still wander around the food court back and forth.

Finally, I’ll force myself to make a decision. “I want sushi!” So I’ll go over to the counter and look…I’ll pick up a couple of packages trying to decide which one has the most crab or salmon and walk tentatively up to the line to the cashier. However, if the line up is too long, it causes me to think too much. Then I'll change my mind...I'll look over at the Thai Express counter and think "Hm...those people look like they know what they want. And I should try new things...and the food comes in those cute take-out containers!" So I'll give up my spot in the line and walk over to the Thai Express counter...then I'm faced with the menu. "Hmm...I don't know what to get. That looks good! But hmm...what if it isn't? UGH! Why did I decide to try something new now?! What was I thinking?" And right before I'm the next person to order, I'll look over at the familiar KFC line. "Hm...popcorn chicken. I love popcorn chicken." And...I'll leave the unfamiliar Thai Express line and walk over to the KFC line...which unfortunately happens to be familiar with everyone else which makes the line-up really long. Uh-oh. I look over and my husband is eating already. "UGH! I gotta make a decision! Do I want to stay in the KFC line? Ugh!! Hm...there's no more line at the sushi counter. Maybe I'll just get some yam fries and by that time I'll have figured out what I wanted." So I leave the KFC line and walk back over to the Sushi line. Yes. Yam Fries. But what else should I have? "It's not Tuesday, so I don't want tacos (they're not on special). I don't even have a drink. Hm...that greek food is looking good. I know! I'll have calamari! And I'll get my drink there too." So I walk across the food court to the Greek food vendor and confidently get in line. "Wow, $8.95 for a calamari combo with drink. That seems kind of steep. I mean, I already have these yam fries, which are kind of getting cold now. I should decide now, am I staying or getting something else?" I look around - all the line-ups seem pretty long. Except for the Sushi line. "Hm...maybe I should just get some teriyaki chicken? Yes. Teriyaki chicken on rice." Back to the Sushi line. "Okay for sure I'm gonna stay here now. The cashier is looking at me funny." I look over the menu and think "Geez. I coulda ordered the bento box and got sushi, teriyaki chicken and tempura'd yam! But I already have these damn yam fries. Oh wait, look there's just a teriyaki chicken bowl. Fine. I'll just have that. Ugh, they don't have fountain drinks here. I refuse to pay 2.49 for a bottle drink." I look over at my husband who's almost done his meal. "Yes! He has a fountain drink - I'll just drink some of his." I finally get to the cashier who gives me a look that says "You again?"

I ignore her and order: "I'll have the teriyaki chicken bowl please". I finally get it, sit down and open it up.

There's a little sliver of chicken with TONS of rice, and...yam tempura. ARGH...and in total my food court meal cost me almost $12.00! TWELVE dollars for rice, two yam sides and no drink. So much for saving money. By this time, my husband is done eating. He looks at my meal and shakes his head.

And I say "See! I told you we should've just eaten at a regular restaurant!"

I hate Food Court.