As Far As I Can Tell

Yesterday was a classic example of trying to find something to eat in Kalamazoo after 10pm. First, we tried the BBQ Pit, whose sign said “open” and whose listed hours implied they’d be that way until 11. Once inside the unlocked door, they told us they closed. Turned down from the only place to get a veggie burger in town, we tried Jimmy Johns. It’s not that great, but it’s quick and fairly healthy. Since school is out of session, they were closed early too.

We ended up at Bilbo’s Pizza on campus. This place seems to be run by college freshmen who have never had a restaurant job in their lives. Oddly, we were carded at the door. I know it’s a brewery as well as a restaurant, but the bar is downstairs and normally they keep the two pretty separate. The next unpleasant surprise was when the band started playing. It seems that Bilbo’s now has an open mic night.

So we waited for our pizza in silence, our voices drowned out by the band who was trying too hard, and too loudly, to nail that “angst ridden yet soulful” sound. When the pizza came it was so greasy we left nearly half of it on the table.

Why is getting tasty food at a reasonable price without listening to bad music so damn hard. I want vegetarian cuisine at a good price. I don’t want to drive too far to get it, and I want the atmosphere to be as good as the food. I want new restaurants opening up all the time, and a list of places in my city that I’ve never been to, but always wanted to. I want ethnic neighborhoods full of little restaurants showing off their culinary skill, and introducing me to foods I’ve never tried before.

Every time I eat I miss Chicago.