I am as guilty as everyone else . . .
The panic and anxiety that spread through the nation this past year if not longer affected me more than I thought. Would the economy ever hit bottom? How bad would it get? Could we become one of the next casualties in this economic mess? The words of our President kept echoing in the back of my head-each and every person must contribute to making this economy and this nation a better place.Â
But I hadn’t realized that I could do more until this past month when we reluctantly agreed to head to Las Vegas to celebrate Kazuto’s birthday. We had been fairly conservative with our social gatherings the last year, mostly because we were working harder than ever, but partly because we were hesitant to spend our money on having any kind of fun. In venturing beyond our neighborhood bubble, we realized that there were signs that things were getting better. Although restaurants have all admitted that business is down, people seem to be testing the waters and heading out even for a simple meal. Larger groups are gathering again and people are happy to be out.Â
As a consumer, it was great to be out with other people enjoying the company and of course good food and wine. As a restauranteur, it was reassuring that there could be a light at the end of the long, dark tunnel.
It is important for everyone to realize that small business owners have been trying to do our part to stimulate the economy and lift people’s spirits. By offering special deals, we are hoping that consumers will take the next step and get out their and spend. We are not asking you to spend beyond your means, but to go out, enjoy yourselves and let us take care of you even if its just for an hour. The important thing to remember is that although people like Suze Orman try to simplify it all and tell you to save your money and not go out, without consumers, the whole economy could disintegrate into a worst mess than it already is.
So please, don’t forget what its like to have fun, because at the end of the day you are doing something that’s good for everyone.
My best friend, Jamie, introduced me to Beacon about two weeks ago. I have a seaweed allergy and she forgot that I tend to avoid most Asian style restaurants because of it.
Your wait staff patiently answered all my questions, including going back into the kitchen to double-check ingredients for me. I ordered the Hamburger and it was one of the best hamburgers I’ve ever had. The spring rolls were incredible as well. Jamie had the kimchee fried rice and let me take home some to my daughter, who is horribly picky, and she loved it so much that she asked if we could eat at Beacon for her birthday dinner. We’ll be there tomorrow night celebrating and having fun because life without fun is nothing but worry.