People go out to eat at a restaurant for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s because it is too hot outside, and they don’t want to heat up the house. Other times have to do with just not having the time to make dinner, because you worked late or had errands to run, doctors to see or other time-consuming activities. It may also be a business dinner or lunch. Many of us go out to eat because we desire some company, and we want to feel good. And I have found most of the servers at local restaurants to be delightful, and even, on occasion, a smiling owner will serve us when the restaurant is particularly busy.

However, when it comes to catching up with good friends or seeing relatives who you actually really like and want to have a special time with, the better restaurant ”“ with great food, great service and perhaps, just perhaps, even a great location ”“ may be called for. Having said that, an old colleague of mine said that he simply wouldn’t go out to dinner unless he was thrilled with the place, unless it was great in all respects. He doesn’t mind spending the extra money, because he works hard, makes good money and expects the best in dining.

On the other hand, basic food and a really fun atmosphere ”“ or perhaps a combination of the different characteristics ”“ may be what is called for. I happen to “eat out” for virtually all of these reasons depending on the day, time and circumstances. I love trying new food, so I avail myself of the eateries that will inform and titillate my tongue and palate as often as possible. The bottom line is you need to choose the restaurant that best suits your needs and desires.

Another consideration is proximity. If time is an issue or friends or relatives are unable to leave or drive out of the immediate area, then staying close to home might be the right choice. Companions who are disabled or have special needs may need particular accommodations. And we may need to consider food for kids or special diets. My mother is a diabetic, I eat gluten-free (most of the time) and my daughter is just plain picky, so making sure their needs are met is always part of planning to go out in my family. Finally, there are always new diets coming out to lose weight or to get healthier ”“ allegedly ”“ and we need to consider those needs as well.

The good news is, there are hundreds of options for going out to eat here in York County. There are “fast-food” places, even locally owned ones. There are sit-down restaurants to meet nearly any needs, and certainly to satisfy any palate. There’s a variety of ethnic food available, and of course, as most of us know, Maine is the seafood capital here in the states. So think about what you need, what you want, and go out and have an enjoyable meal. Have some fun!

— Bruce M. Hardina is publisher of the Journal Tribune.