Hunting-and-gathering pointers for eating well in a pandemic
It takes flexibility and initiative to eat well during this pandemic, when everything from restaurant to grocery shopping routines have been disrupted.
Here are some hunting-and gathering pointers I’ve developed over the past three months of self-isolation to keep my spirits up and my palate satisfied.
1. Assume nothing.
Restaurants are in such a state of flux and reinvention right now that they are changing services and pandemic precautions on the fly, depending on what is working best. Google a handful of favorites first to see what’s what in terms of contactless curbside options, more traditional takeout or online ordering that lets you schedule a pickup and/or pay online. I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find possibilities I didn’t expect — killer enchilada specials from a much-loved Norteño grill, tapas from an upscale Spanish favorite, smoked salmon with the works from a modest neighborhood bagel joint with a confidenceinspiring pickup station run by masked staffers on an open-air patio. If you can’t find details on a website, check the establishment’s Facebook page, too.
2. Factor in holding and transport time when choosing what to order.
Sure, you may be craving onion rings or a frozen margarita. I was. But I have discovered to my sorrow that many fried items won’t survive a snag in your pickup schedule or a drive home. They cool. They wilt under a styrofoam lid. And that frozen cocktail will very likely end up a watery half slush by the time you are ready to drink it.
3. Think braises, stir-fries, enchiladas, soups, stews and noodles.
The most forgiving dishes when it comes to takeout are the ones that you can hold over in your own kitchen for reheating later. They’ll be good when you get them home, and they’ll be good tomorrow, too. Maybe even better! I’ve learned to order several easy-to-keep dishes at once — and even to freeze some for down the road. Think about trying a family meal pack, as these often feature homey dishes in an easy to-serve, easy-to-keep mode.
4. Stock up from your favorite specialty purveyors.
Cheesemongers, bakeries, coffee shops and more have responded to the pandemic in all sorts of creative ways. Yes, you can get a flat white espresso drink or even a big box of serious brewed coffee to go, not to mention a bag of your favorite single-origin coffee beans. Or take home a picnic box of cheese, charcuterie, bread and condiments that will provide fun for days.
Consider mail order, too. That small-batch jam maker or heirloom bean specialist whose wares you’ve enjoyed in the past may be glad to ship. Having superior ingredients around will brighten up your home cooking and supply a treat when you most need one.
5. Don’t forget the wine.
Nothing turns even a simple supper into a festive meal like a well-chosen bottle of wine.
Many upscale restaurants have been moving their cellar inventory by offering bottles to go at a discount with food orders, bringing the prices of even hard to-get, carefully stored wines within easier reach. Even your favorite modest trattoria or bistro may be offering wines from its list to go — often at proper cellar temperature, so they’re ready to pour right when you get home. And check out your favorite wine shop, which is likely to have worked out an efficient curbside-pickup strategy, so you can lay in a supply.