While not a personal experience, I think this is something that we can all relate to. DH talked to one of his Ohio customers this morning. Restaurants in Ohio opened over the holiday weekend, and she and her husband went out to eat at their favorite place. The ambiance was apparently quite uncomfortable with diners spaced carefully, plexiglass partitions between booths, servers wearing masks, etc. They did not enjoy the dining out experience and will not return any time soon.
As much as DH and I would like to go out for an anniversary dinner next month, we won't go unless we know that Picano's (favorite Italian) takes absolutely every precaution to keep patrons safe without it becoming an unpleasant dining experience. We've been going to Picano's in Troy since they opened in January, 1985. We go there more than any other restaurant and have always had amazing food and service. They were not offering carryout until last week, so even if we're unable to have dinner there on our anniversary, maybe we will get takeout to enjoy at home.
I keep hearing media reports about how anxious people are to return to some normalcy in their lives, but I have a feeling that not everyone is willing to endanger their health by rushing into environments that might not be safe. Restaurants are high on my list of places to avoid, and I'm sure I'm not alone. Considering the great care and concern that people here have shown with their own grocery shopping and food preparation, I think we all know that keeping professional kitchens and dining rooms safe from virus contamination is going to be a major challenge. DH and I will not even consider going to a restaurant if we can't be certain that we will be safe.
