Monday, November 22, 2021

T Stands For Sad News

 

This is a menu I copied from the internet. Oh look Mae, there's tiramisu, something I said hadn't made it to the midwest yet!  Obviously I must be hungry for sweets about now.

This is the side from which I ordered.  Sorry, this is the only photo that turned out partially readable.

Some of you may remember I have given this restaurant mixed reviews over the years, from slow and uncaring service, to food being cold when I got it, to food not being what I ordered.  Other times, the food was delicious and spot on.

About three years ago, DeFazio's remodeled their restaurant.  They spent what must have been tons of money to make the restaurant appear more upscale to match their prices.  They had a large menu that included a lunch menu Sally and I used to eat from.

Then Covid hit and the menu went from eight large pages to these top favorites they served daily.  For a long time, it was carry out only and only one person in the restaurant at a time.  
 
There were no lunch specials.  I was not about to pay $15.50 (USD) for Shrimp Scampi (see first page above) that I had paid $10.00 for on their previous lunch menu and for the same amount of shrimp.  Since I didn't want to pay more than $10.00 for lunch, I ordered the regular fettucini al'pietro.

I got their Italian salad with ranch dressing and three pieces of bread, too.  I also poured some water I drank as I prepared to eat the meal at my kitchen table.

I hadn't had a chance to share this for T Tuesday until now.  However, the sad news is, Sally told me when we went to Riverside Cafe (see last week's T post) that DeFazio's had permanently closed their doors.  Guess I'll have to savor this final meal I got there.

Have any of your favorite restaurants had to scale back or had to close due to Covid?

It's time for you to link your own T post.  Remember, your T Tuesday post can be about anything drink related, as long as you can tie it back in some way to a drink, a drinking vessel, or something wet.  And as always, your photos do not have to be taken on Tuesday.  After you link, Bleubeard and I, along with other T Tuesday participants, will be by to visit.




 I realize it's a week early, but I want to remind you to dig up your second look on the second.  The only rule is it's one you have posted in the past.  I'm hoping this gives you enough time to find one you want to share on the 2nd next month.

This is also Day 25 of AEDM and I hosted a link up party.




29 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

In our little town none of the restaurants and cafes here closed!But I a lot of places there have been many closures. It's a sa d thing for owners and their staff. Happy T Day! Hugs. Valerie

Sharon Madson said...

Elizabeth, I made it this week! I had plenty of Blogger problems though. I scheduled it for 4:30 and just barely got it done by 4:30 for it to go live! It was crazy! I am sorry to hear about Defazios. I think we ate there when we first moved back to Wichita 23 years ago. I remember them sitting us at a table pushed up against a door they didn’t use. Food and service, and prices at that time didn’t inspire us ever want to go back. We love Angelo’s, which hasn’t opened back up to inside dining yet, just carry out. We are so afraid it is not going to make it through this Covid pandemic. Happy T Day!

Lisca said...

It's a shame that many businesses have not survived the Covid lockdown. The food you showed in the picture (fettuccini)looks really nice. I would love to have that for lunch.
Around here the restaurants have not had to close. Our lockdown was not that long and then restaurants could serve food outside, and our climate helps too. So luckily we can continue to go to our favorite restaurants. Most of the restaurants around here are family businesses, so they don't have the problem of staff. in the sense that whole families help out in turn. And it works.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca

Birgit said...

I’m glad the last meal was good but it is a shame when a place closes. COVID19 did not help but maybe they had too many negative reviews.

Jeanie said...

Lots of restaurants have closed but most deserved to -- they were sort of lousy food or fast food and weren't that good before. No great loss, apart from someone's job.

Linda Kunsman said...

We are fortunate to have LOTS of restaurants of all types in our area. But yes, some have had to scale back because of lack of proper help. And lately we are hearing of increasing prices widespread... glad I like to eat at home and cook;) Looks like a nice meal you enjoyed one last time at DeFazio's.
Happy T day!

Mae Travels said...

So many restaurants just didn’t survive the challenges of health issues, labor issues, supply issues, and long periods of lost business. It’s been really tough, and there’s no way to say which if the many problems caused the closings. Your meal looks quite good, it’s sad that it will be your last chance! We had three lovely meals on our little trip to the Outer Banks this weekend, all at restaurants that appeared to survive at least in part because they value their workers so much. On one menu they even printed the names of the service staff! Good luck finding Tiramisu some day, and thanks again for mentioning my name.

Best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kate Yetter said...

What a large menu. One of our Asian buffet's only did take out during COVID and they down scaled their menu to only a few items. Thankfully, most of our restaurants survived but several cafe's had to close. We don't eat out very often as it is but the few places we do like are still open.
I hope you find someplace else that you enjoy to eat. It is always nice to have a favorite.
Happy Tea Day,
Kate

My name is Erika. said...

That is too bad they didn't make it through Covid. I'm sure the increased prices didn't help. And maybe the cost of remodeling didn't help either. Your meal looks yummy though, and I am glad you have a photo of it. At least you can remember that. I can't say any of my favorite restaurants have closed and I miss them, but I do miss eating at my favorite hole in the wall breakfast place. They were never covid friendly, and as they had to close a few time because the staff had covid, we stopped going. Maybe one day we'll be back after covid gets better under control. Have a wonderful T day. Hugs-Erika

kathyinozarks said...

So sorry your restaurant is closed, especially after they spent money to upgrade.
thanks for hosting-Happy T hugs

Elephant's Child said...

I am sorry that they closed. Businesses here have gone to the wall as well - but, so far, none of my favourites.

Nancy Chan said...

We too have some of our favourite eateries closed down due to the pandemic. We are going to miss the good food we once enjoyed.

Rita said...

I haven't been able to afford to eat out and haven't had a car, either, for that matter for many years. Haven't ordered in, either. So I really have no clue what has survived and what hasn't...but I wouldn't have been a factor regardless. I only go from home to clinics or the hospital lately--lol! Sorry to hear one of the places you like is out of business, though. So many have suffered financially over this pandemic. :(

Lisca said...

Yes, I suppose it could be cilantro. We don't get fresh cilantro here so I wouldn't know the difference.
You made me smile last week with the comment about the electric grinders. Of course I don't really need them, but they were a gift, so we have some fun with those. You are absolutely right, there's no need and we still have our normal grinders in the kitchen but these we use at the table now that we have them.
I look very happy on my wedding day, and I am still very happy. Ours is a good marriage, it is balanced (not one person dominating). We agree on most things, but if we don't we don't fight over it but eventually 'agree to disagree'. There's a bit of give and take on both sides. And I believe that is healthy.
Happy T-Day,
Lisca

CJ Kennedy said...

Covid hit small businesses hard. Sad that the restaurant had to close, but overpriced meals and lack of service might have contributed to that, too.

nwilliams6 said...

Most of our restaurants have stayed open and at full menu, but they run out of things a lot (I think that is supply chain/transportation). Prices have gone up a lot some places, but I think fast food is only slightly less expensive so people are opting for the nicer places. I have seen some close on a particular day if they don't have enough staff. Your meal looks good. Now I want some Italian! Happy T-day and Happy Thanksgiving, Elizabeth. Hugz

Divers and Sundry said...

We've lost several restaurants, most recently Pancho's. They sold their renowned cheese dip to a business in Minnesota, though, so at least part of their legacy will live on.

What is the draw with cable? I'm curious about what you get from cable that you can't get from the less expensive services...

Nancy said...

Oh, I'm sorry, too! It must have been a hard decision for the owners, especially after having invested in the remodel. If they can't turn a profit, things just won't work. A sad end for them indeed. Your final meal from them looked like a good one, so they redeemed themselves and you'll remember them well. Thanks for coming to visit the quilt show on my blog!

ashok said...

Covid has hit many small businesses in my city too, especially food joints.

Cloudia said...

Thank you. I hope a drunken bee fits the meme!

craftytrog said...

The food looks delicious Elizabeth! I feel so sorry for all the small businesses that have been hit hard by Covid.
Happy T-Day!
Alison

DVArtist said...

Covid has hit us all so very hard in different ways. I know how the owners feel. Loosing your business and income is a terrifying experience. Ha just ask me. There have been at least 4 restaurants that have closed their doors in my town due to covid and the economy. It's a shame for sure.

Carola Bartz said...

Our restaurants offered curbside pick-up and delivery (and still do, actually, even though we can dine inside and on the patio by now) and many people supported them. Some of them had to close permanently though. Thankfully none of my favorite restaurants had to do that. They all face the challenge of being understaffed now.

NatureFootstep said...

sad to see :( Much happens because of corona :(

Tammy said...

Your lunch looks delicious and I'm glad you got to enjoy one last meal. I feel so bad for small business owners since Covid. Enjoy the rest of your week and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Elizabeth.
Hugs, Tammy

pearshapedcrafting said...

It's such a shame that so many businesses have had to close or reduce services. We used to go to a cafe that closed down, although they still have a larger restaurant that always seems quite busy.Glad you at least have that meal to remember. I couldn't link on my computer- no idea what's going on with blogger! Hugs, Chrisx

Spyder said...

Morning! Sorry I'm sooo late...real life got in the way! But I had to come visit and say Happy T day...even though its really happy W day! And you're linked in with Julia's Blog! My goodness, they did have a lot on their menu ... I'm thinking they could've been losing money having to have so much choice. It's a real shame that they had to close. At least you managed to order something you and your friend like. have a great week. Stay Safe((Lyn))

Empire of the Cat said...

It's sad when places you love close down and disappear. There's been a lot of that here too but I don't really eat out much so I don't have a favourite. Happy belated AEDM and Happy T Day. Elle/EOTC xx

RO said...

That's so 😔 sad, and I imagine that affected so many people. So many lives changed due to Covid in so many ways. I hope they'll be well. Hugs, RO