Social Distancing Dining Guide – Updated 4.1.20

March 18, 2020  Kersten Rettig UPDATED to include clarify alcohol delivery rules, new restaurants and closures. Also, wouldn’t it be nice if the universe was playing one giant April Fool’s joke on us and tomorrow, life will return to normal? Friends, we are all in this together and pretty soon, we will be very tired of being in this together and we will be tired of eating home-cooked food. This is an evolving list of local restaurants that will continue to operate via curbside pick-up and delivery per the city mandates, which are subject to change. The restaurant business is always the first to step in and step up when a crisis occurs such as a tornado, hurricane or an act of domestic terrorism such as the events on July 7, 2016 in Dallas. And think of all the gift cards they issue when there is a carnival, auction or gala – they give generously to help raise money for our causes,  and now they need us. Let’s support them as best we can while adhering to all instructions on staying safe and healthy and protecting our community. Here’s what we can do:

1. Buy delivery or take out
2. Buy gift cards
3. Write positive reviews online
4. If you have a favorite server from your go-to restaurant, check on him or her and offer help

The restaurants are divided by conceptual offering because, if you’re like me and you’re craving Italian food, you want to go right to the Italian food category and not sushi. If you’re a restaurant owner or PR agency, please send me your updates and offers and I’ll update as needed. UPDATE: Though the Governor of the State of Texas signed a waiver allowing Texas restaurants with Mixed Beverage permits to be able to sell mixed drinks, wine and beer with purchase of food via pick up and delivery, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission dialed back that statement a bit, requiring restaurants to only sell alcohol in its unopened and original packaging, versus to-go packaging with lids and straws.  So, if you want to order cocktails, you can, but they will be sold as “cocktail kits,” which will include a sealed bottle of your spirit of choice and the accompanying mixers such as fruit, bitters, soda and garnish. If you have any questions or concerns about the safety of food take out and delivery, this graphic might help. Additionally, here is an excellent resource from the Food Safety Institute at Cornell University for a more comprehensive look at restaurant-prepared meals for take out and delivery as well as grocery store foods. Treats Fat Straws Offering curbside and delivery at all Fat Straws locations. For curbside, specify in delivery notes include your car make, model and color. Let Fat Straws know when you’ve arrived for your order by calling them. Delivery available from 12 – 7 p.m. within a seven-mile radius of locations with a minimum order of $10. You may customize your delivery order with special instructions such as “meet me outside, leave at door, etc.)   https://www.peoplenewspapers.com/2020/03/18/social-distancing-dining-guide/