What I Ate Today

Quote: SOOPOO

My problem is you’ve never invited me over for your home cooking….

Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

So, was Rockefeller a skinflint, a miser?

I remember reading an entry in the Guiness Book of World Records when I was a lad, about Hetty Green, the worst miser in history.

Just ... wow.

see: https://ministry127.com/resources/illustration/the-biggest-miser-who-ever-lived

Bob, do you smoke your own herring and greens or just buy it that way? I love using the smoker and BBQ but don't do it very often just because of the cleanup and mess.

Quote: Evenbob

Wow, what a total waste of money. When I think about what I can make for myself that's way better than what you had for $250. I am like John D Rockefeller, except I'm not the richest man in the world. He hated going to restaurants cuz he knew his cook at home could make something far better for far less money. And he could afford to buy every restaurant he ever ate at. He would also examine every item on the bill to make sure they weren't ripping him off. This was a guy who built entire hospitals and entire universities out of petty cash;

A memorable meal is the whole package EB. Plating, taste, smell, service, ambience and a properly paired wine for each course. Your meals don't come close to hitting all those boxes. To splurge on at least one overpriced and over the top dinner is always on the agenda when my wife and I go on a holiday. Everyone has different things that they consider a treat and are happy to pay for. You might consider it a spa for the palate.

Quote: SOOPOO

My problem is you’ve never invited me over for your home cooking….

I don't do that anymore. Last time I did it was about 12 years ago at my wife's house. She invited a colleague from work over who was kind of important and I made baked salmon and stuffed mushrooms and chocolate cheesecake for dessert. The guest ate none of it because she's terrified of dying from bad seafood, doesn't trust mushrooms, she wouldn't eat the cheesecake because it had eggs in it. That was it for me. Cooking for other people sucks.

Quote: missedhervee

So, was Rockefeller a skinflint, a miser?

I remember reading an entry in the Guiness Book of World Records when I was a lad, about Hetty Green, the worst miser in history.

He was no Hetty Green but lots of rich people of his era were skinflints. It was how they were raised. They could spend $1000000 on a house and then pay the cheapest wages possible to the servants. And pinch every penny on expenses. He had to be dragged kicking and screaming into being a philanthropist because if he did not do it his wealth would have literally crushed him and his family. He ended up doing a lot of good with this money, he built the entire University of Chicago out of his own pocket and only ever visited there once. Hetty Green was mentally ill.

Quote: kenarman

A memorable meal is the whole package EB. Plating, taste, smell, service, ambience and a properly paired wine for each course..

I know that. I still think it's a waste of money unless it's a special occasion. Just to go out and do it because you can is kind of ridiculous because that money can be used for something that would help other people.

Quote: Evenbob

I know that. I still think it's a waste of money unless it's a special occasion. Just to go out and do it because you can is kind of ridiculous because that money can be used for something that would help other people.

I consider helping my wife's mental health as helping other people.

Quote: kenarman

I consider helping my wife's mental health as helping other people.

My wife would never let me spend anywhere near that kind of money in a restaurant. She won't even eat in a casino buffet unless it's paid for by comps

Quote: Evenbob

...He ended up doing a lot of good with this money, he built the entire University of Chicago out of his own pocket and only ever visited there once.

He also established the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, in Manhattan, in 1901, after his grandson died from scarlet fever. Twenty-six scientists associated with Rockefeller University have been awarded the Nobel Prize. Should be 28.

"And the fact that McCarty, Avery and MacLeod were not awarded the Nobel prize is an oversight that, to this day, still puzzles."

Quote: Evenbob

I don't do that anymore. Last time I did it was about 12 years ago at my wife's house. She invited a colleague from work over ...

You got that right.

After college I was hired by an all black university (I am caucasian) as a college recruiter; it wasn't that they really wanted me; the feds said they HAD to integrate, so hello, token white boy.

My boss invited me over for dinner and it was ... unforgettable.

He never checked with me ahead of time as to what I might like, blithely assuming I'd eat anything: wrong.

His wife cooked up ... liver.

I couldn't eat a bite: so awkward.