My Takeout Experiences During Covid

For many families, going out to restaurants is a weekly or monthly treat. However, COVID has changed that, and now there’s been an increase in takeout orders. According to CitiVelocity, “Overall, COVID-19 has had a net positive impact on frequency and spending on online food delivery.” Ordering takeout is overall a safe and fun thing to do with family, and I’ve put together a list of four restaurants that offer delectable food options for someone looking for takeout possibilities.

1. Varuni Napoli Midtown

Varuni Napoli Midtown is one of the most frequently visited restaurants within my family. During COVID-19, it was, of course, impossible to continue this tradition, but we did support the restaurant by ordering takeout meals. Varuni’s provides pizzas and other Italian-style meals with remarkably quick service. My family generally orders pizza, although my dad has been known to indulge in a salad now and then. Our favorites are the Bianca Pizza, which is a white pie garnished with basil leaves; the Margarita Pizza, more like the typical cheese-and- sauce affair, but also containing basil; and the Spacca Napoli, a white pizza topped with mushroom, basil, and delightfully sweet caramelized onions. This restaurant is a great favorite with my family, and I hope it will become so with your family, too.

2. Top Spice

Top Spice, located in Ansley Mall, serves delectable Thai/Malaysian cuisine. It’s never too crowded, which is pleasant for a family who wants some quiet time to chat, and it has great service. It’s an attractive space, with low lights and polished wooden tables containing glass displays of herbs and spices. My family enjoys a wide variety of their dishes, such as the Pad See Ew, fried rice, and Pad Thai. I definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who desires some good food to enjoy on a weekend night.

3. Whisky Bird

Whisky Bird is a delightful restaurant that offers traditional American cuisine with a twist. You can either choose to order several side dishes and make a meal out of it, or you can order one or two main dishes. I can recommend the veggie burger with an addition of avocado, and my family also enjoys the fried chicken sliders with pickles and a flavored sauce, with a side of fried potatoes - the leftovers of which make for a tasty weekend breakfast. My dad often orders the chicken tacos, while my sister prefers a light and tasty meal of chicken nuggets. Each purchased meal comes with a few packs of pocky, candy-coated breadsticks that make for a scrumptious treat. And in case this hasn’t won you over yet, here’s something that almost definitely will - a vast portion of their meals come with French fries.

4. Little Rey

Little Rey offers a unique takeout style. One family can order a meal, which consists of homemade tortillas, chicken, beans, and rice, as well as a side of homemade corn chips. The chips are crisp and light; the tortillas small, soft and perfectly browned; the chicken is beautifully flavored, tasting almost like a barbecued meat; the beans are rich and swimming in savory sauce; the rice is tinted an attractive color that matches its taste; and the addition of cheese to the meal brings it to its highest point. Leftover beans, chicken, and chips make for a lovely lunch of nachos, although there won’t be many leftovers - food may be devoured on the spot! This is probably my favorite of all four listed restaurants, and I hope that you will experience its delights as I have.