Friday, March 23, 2007

Will I Ever Learn?

I really miss working in Chinatown. There were many, many excellent food choices, none of which ever made me regret my luncheon decision (well, except for that one time at Potbelly when my sandwich had hot peppers. Oh, sweet Jesus, the burning). But now, being in L'Enfant Plaza with a very limited choice of restaurants, a phenomenon has taken over my body and it strikes about once a week.

I do something insanely stupid. Well, food related stupid, that is. Let me illustrate this point with some examples!

Scenario 1: I enter one of the many Chinese buffet restaurants in my building where I think to myself, "My, that chicken and broccoli looks delicious. Last time it was really super spicy and fire shot out my ears and I almost died, but it probably isn't spicy this time!"

Scenario 2: I enter the Potomac Food Court and get sushi, even though it's made at 8:00 a.m. and sits there until 11:00 a.m. when the first brave soul (me) lifts the saran wrap and selects an unagi roll. Five minutes later, in my office, four of the six pieces are in the trash can, because sushi should never, ever taste that fishy. GOD.

Scenario 3: Standing in front of the smoothie place, I order a mondo gigantico smoothie, even though I know that I can only finish a small smoothie.

Scenario 4: At same smoothie place, I order a pretzel, even though I can only have a few bites before the stomach ache kicks in. It's also one of the countless times I've wondered aloud why I don't have a family-size bottle of Tums in my desk.

Scenario 5: I go to McDonald's. Ugh. I now have heartburn after reading that sentence.

I've put myself through all of these scenarios at least twice. In fact, the repeat sushi scenario happened just today! What the hell is wrong with me? I spend lots of money on food that goes to waste. I am a double-waster wastoid.

The answer? Bring my own lunch. I know. So. Who wants to pack a lunch for me every night?

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I too work at L'Enfant and have suffered like you; however, I will recommend the deli sandwiches at the Oh's buffet place. Also, their Chinese sit down restaurant across from it lets you order to go and they usually only take about 5-7 minutes to prepare it. I also was recently told about the hotel's carry out lunch place in their lobby (soup, sandwiches, salads). I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds promising. I've eaten at their restaurant and it was good, so I can't imagine that the lobby "to-go" place would be any different.

Kevin said...

If you're a FED (or contractor), go to the GSA cafeteria (7th & D). Best Federal cafeteria in SW!

Heather said...

Anony - the deli sandwiches at Oh's *are* lovely... I always forget about that option. And the hotel has a lunch service? That's great - I'll be the next to try it out. Thanks!

Heather said...

I am FED, kwest, so that's cool. I'll be there asap! Except today. Today I actually brought my lunch.

It's insanity, I know.

honeykbee said...

Don't forget, there's always fresh baked goods and fruits/veggies in the DoT courtyard on Tuesdays!

The only thing I miss about L'Enfant is that popcorn cart on the corner. Mm mm mm mm mm.

Heather said...

What's that, honeykbee? Baked goods? Fresh produce?

POPCORN?

Why had I not heard of these wonderful developments?

Thank you!

Unknown said...

Man alive I miss L'Enfant. PSYCH.

Heather said...

Steeze, you know that you wish you had the amazing food options.

Plus, you miss shopping at Shooze.