Two Thumbs Up for Jason's

After working in the restaurant industry for almost three years, I have a really hard time going out to eat. I've noticed lately that all I can do is notice what is wrong with service, and the prices of food. For example, I was recently at a restaurant that had lobster ravioli on the menu at $24.95 per serving. We sometimes serve this same dish and our food cost is under $3 per serving. When I see something like this, I feel insulted- like they are taking advantage of me if I order it. I get offended when my empty plate sits on the table for more than a few minutes after it's empty-- we train our servers to clear the tables as soon as possible so that our guests aren't left to wallow in their own mess. I can't go out to eat without constantly taking notice on how the service could be approved, or without evaluating how much profit the restaurant is earning on each dish. It's an illness.

So with this in mind, you wouldn't believe my reaction whenever I visit Jason's Deli at Camp Creek Marketplace. I finally have a reason to eat outside of my house! The employees couldn't be nicer or more helpful. The food is reasonably priced, and you never see a table in need of busing. The kicker is that some of the employees have begun to call me by name when I enter- they even remember my order (I get the same thing everytime). I used to get the "bird to the Wise" sandwich, but lately I've learned of their special- you can get a half sandwich and one trip through the salad bar for about the same price as the full sandwich. If you haven't had their salad bar, you are missing out on the best thing around. They have 62 fresh ingredients- including boiled eggs, tuna/pasta casserole, bean salad, banana pudding (complete with Nilla Wafers), jalepeno cornbread, fresh fruit, cashew, pinenuts, homemade croutons, etc. Every meal also comes with a complimentary ice cream (vanilla, chocolate, or a swirl). You can even add chocalate syrup if you want! I had the 1/2 sandwich and salad bar four times last week! My only concern is: what do they do with the other half of the sandwich? Do they get to split the half sandwiches amongst the crew? Do they throw it away? I might have to get a job there just to learn the answer to this mystery!!! If I find out, I'll let you know!

So, the next time your shopping at CCMP and feel a little hungry, drop by Jason's and give them a try. You won't be disappointed. Be sure to tell Billy and Courtney I said hi!