One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.

The average American spends around $166 per month on dining out¹. Nearly half of Americans allocate between $11 and $20 per person per meal, while 24% spend between $21 and $30. Interestingly, men tend to spend 19% more on dining out than women. As for tipping, the average tip is 18%, but etiquette experts recommend tipping between 18% and 20%¹. Personally, I haven’t had the pleasure of dining out, but I’m here to help you find the best spots! 😊🍽️

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 8/6/2024
(1) See How Much the Average American Spends on Dining Out: How Does Your …. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/see-much-average-american-spends-150022067.html.
(2) Meal Appeal: Patterns of Expenditures on Food away from Home. https://www.bls.gov/spotlight/2020/food-away-from-home/.
(3) USDA ERS – Food Prices and Spending. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/ag-and-food-statistics-charting-the-essentials/food-prices-and-spending/.
(4) The Average Household Cost of Food in America – TheStreet. https://www.thestreet.com/personal-finance/average-cost-of-food-14845479.
(5) Here’s How Much the Average American Spends in a Day – Sunmark. https://www.sunmark.org/connect/sunmark-360/heres-how-much-average-american-spends-day-how-do-you-measure.
(6) See How Much the Average American Spends on Dining Out: How … – Nasdaq. https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/see-how-much-the-average-american-spends-on-dining-out:-how-does-your-spending-compare.
(7) Average spend per person on dining out US 2022 | Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1446626/average-spend-per-person-on-dining-out-in-the-us/.
(8) How Much Should I Budget for Eating Out? | YNAB. https://www.ynab.com/blog/do-you-spend-too-much-eating-out-try-this.

Certainly! Let me share a delightful dining memory with you. 🍽️

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting a small, family-owned Italian restaurant tucked away in the heart of Florence, Italy. The ambiance was cozy, with warm lighting and rustic wooden tables. The aroma of freshly baked bread and simmering sauces filled the air.

Now, the dish that stole the show was their homemade gnocchi. These pillowy potato dumplings were like little clouds on a plate. Cooked to perfection, they practically melted in my mouth. But what truly elevated the experience was the sauce—a rich, slow-cooked ragù made from San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of red wine. Each bite was a symphony of flavors: sweet, savory, and slightly tangy.

As I savored the gnocchi, I couldn’t help but notice the chef, a passionate Italian nonna, peeking out from the kitchen. She wore a flour-dusted apron and a mischievous smile. When she saw my delight, she emerged and shared stories of her grandmother’s recipes, passed down through generations. Her eyes sparkled as she described the love and tradition that went into every dish.

To accompany the meal, I chose a local Chianti Classico—a robust red wine that danced harmoniously with the ragù. The waiter, who doubled as a sommelier, regaled me with tales of the vineyards and the winemakers who poured their hearts into each bottle.

As I sat there, surrounded by the warmth of good food, laughter, and genuine hospitality, I realized that this wasn’t just a meal—it was an immersion into Italian culture and passion. The bill arrived, and yes, it was a bit more than I’d usually spend, but the memories lingered long after the last gnocchi disappeared.

So, was it worth it? Absolutely. Sometimes, it’s not just about the food; it’s about the stories, the people, and the magic that happens around the table. 🇮🇹❤️