Running Tab: Takeaways from takeout – restaurants offer variety, deliciousness and convenience

As Spokane area restaurants and bars reopen in the post-pandemic era, it is an opportune time to reflect on takeout during COVID-19 and the to-go orders that will likely continue out of convenience – just not as often.

I ordered from the below six businesses – local and chain, as chains employ locals, too – with a mix of food for myself and my family of five in North Hill Shadle. My goal was to keep it at $50 for a family of five, which seems reasonable and includes gratuity, and $30 solo, which also included tip and was not as easy as it seemed.

Before I run down the stellar six, here are five takeaways from ordering takeout during the coronavirus the last two months:

There is a lot to choose from in the area: When I moved here a year ago, family and friends complained that there is not a lot of variety. Sure, there is not a true dim sum establishment in Spokane, but I have been happy with the selection of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, American, Greek, Hawaiian, coffeehouses, steakhouses and more in the area.

Treat yourself: My rule for takeout, or when I dine out, is to order menu items that I cannot easily make at home. Sushi tops that list. And unless it is a special beverage like a fancy cocktail or a Thai iced coffee, I skip ordering beverages for takeout because I have plenty of water, diet soda, juice and ice at home. And then I will not spill the drink in my car.

Courteous customer service: Every establishment I frequented during the past two months was professional, prompt and friendly. Owners and employees were genuinely thankful for the business, and they followed health guidelines (faces masks, gloves, plexiglass sneeze guards) and social distancing rules. I have shaken hands my entire life to be courteous, so it has been weird to give it up for now.

Ordering takeout multiple times a week adds up: I have a rare job that requires me to dine at new restaurants and bars (it is a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it), so I know that dining out, whether dining in or as takeout, adds up. There is a delicate balance between dining out and buying groceries and cooking at home, and I am still trying to find it. OK, not really.

But it is worth it: I will always be a dining out and takeout fan – and I will always support local because I love Spokane.

As much as I enjoy takeout, and will continue to do so, I am greatly looking forward to dining again at restaurants with family and friends – and have already done so at Nudo Ramen House downtown, and it was great and safe and ramen soup for the soul.

OK, here is the rundown of my to-go orders:

Taco Time: This was for Cinco de Mayo, and it was for my family of five. Our first choice was Taco del Mar on North Division to support a local franchise, but they were booked solid. Another time! The good thing about choosing fast food is that everyone orders what they want, and the cost is within budget. Winning! Cost: $45

Kuni’s Thai Cuisine: I could eat Asian cuisine seven days a week, and I am thrilled that a new and good Thai restaurant has opened near my place in north Spokane. I went over budget solo, but the food is great, and I appreciated that Elijah waited for my arrival before making the Thai iced coffee so that my beverage “won’t be watered down.” Great customer service! Cost: $40

Pizza Hut: Pizza Hut is a childhood favorite; our family went there occasionally after church on Sunday in Helena. Here in Spokane, we had so much food left over from our ginormous order of pizzas (I think like four of them), breadsticks, super-hot wings and a cookie pizza. And the order was delivered curbside. Really great deal! Cost: $50

Scoop Spokane in Kendall Yards: Would you believe it took the quarantine for me to finally try Scoop? Or maybe it’s because I live in north Spokane, so South Hill is so far! Some might balk at $10 a pint because it is certainly less costly at a grocery store, but the flavors – cheese plate, anyone? – are fun, Scoop is local, and the fam loved it. Frozen – let it go! Cost: $55

Atilano’s Mexican Food: I have driven by Atilano’s Mexican Food many times throughout the city and wondered how it could serve “San Diego’s Best Burritos” when I had never heard of it, and I lived in San Diego from 2002-2007. Plus, why would residents in Spokane care? I ordered the San Diego Burrito, and it was filling – and the cheapest meal on this list. Olé! Cost: $12

Umi Kitchen and Sushi: This was a case of déjà vu with Kuni’s Thai Cuisine: Great food and customer service – and a little sticker shock. But I was so happy to eat sushi again, including the Las Vegas roll, baby, and I cannot wait to return to all-day Happy Hour in the downstairs lounge on Sundays when it is allowed again. Worth it! Cost: $50