So you hate Hampton Roads? What do you suggest to better it? (Norfolk: sales, sales tax)

[MaskedRacer]

Originally Posted by Jillo1978

Needs a casino!

No way no how.

[in_newengland]

An example of the lack of restaurants. This is from where I live now--and Massachusetts is supposed to be "rich."

"Keema Curry on the dinner menu.
Ground lamb cooked with green peas, tomato and onion
$13.95"

and on the lunch menu, sit down white table cloth with excellent service it's $8.99.

Same dish around the Hampton Rds area is $18.99 for dinner. And you can't even get sit down service for lunch. You have to eat buffet style--kind of gross for Indian food which is so often beautifully presented.

Although here's one in Norfolk that's "only" $18. Same dish, why the price difference?
"Lamb Keema QTY $18.00
Minced lamb, green beans, onions, tomatoes, garam masala."

There is access to all kinds of junk chain food places but if and when there is decent food, it's way over priced.

[Spazkat9696]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

An example of the lack of restaurants. This is from where I live now--and Massachusetts is supposed to be "rich."

"Keema Curry on the dinner menu.
Ground lamb cooked with green peas, tomato and onion
$13.95"

and on the lunch menu, sit down white table cloth with excellent service it's $8.99.

Same dish around the Hampton Rds area is $18.99 for dinner. And you can't even get sit down service for lunch. You have to eat buffet style--kind of gross for Indian food which is so often beautifully presented.

Although here's one in Norfolk that's "only" $18. Same dish, why the price difference?
"Lamb Keema QTY $18.00
Minced lamb, green beans, onions, tomatoes, garam masala."

There is access to all kinds of junk chain food places but if and when there is decent food, it's way over priced.

With just a quick Google search I found the same dish available for less in VAB. How long has it been since you have been in the area?

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

An example of the lack of restaurants. This is from where I live now--and Massachusetts is supposed to be "rich."

"Keema Curry on the dinner menu.
Ground lamb cooked with green peas, tomato and onion
$13.95"

and on the lunch menu, sit down white table cloth with excellent service it's $8.99.

Same dish around the Hampton Rds area is $18.99 for dinner. And you can't even get sit down service for lunch. You have to eat buffet style--kind of gross for Indian food which is so often beautifully presented.

Although here's one in Norfolk that's "only" $18. Same dish, why the price difference?
"Lamb Keema QTY $18.00
Minced lamb, green beans, onions, tomatoes, garam masala."

There is access to all kinds of junk chain food places but if and when there is decent food, it's way over priced.

Don't forget the exorbitant meal tax added on top of the prices as well.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by Spazkat9696

With just a quick Google search I found the same dish available for less in VAB. How long has it been since you have been in the area?

I haven't eaten in an Indian restaurant lately but was looking at their menus online. In general, restaurant prices seem higher. I mean restaurants, not chain food places.

(as for meal taxes, I think you get that everywhere.)

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

(as for meal taxes, I think you get that everywhere.)

Hampton Roads was 3rd highest in the country back in 2012. I haven't seen an updated number, but it's gone up since then.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

I haven't eaten in an Indian restaurant lately but was looking at their menus online. In general, restaurant prices seem higher. I mean restaurants, not chain food places.

(as for meal taxes, I think you get that everywhere.)

It depends. In Ohio you can dodge the tax by eating your meal at the restaurant.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by goofy328

It depends. In Ohio you can dodge the tax by eating your meal at the restaurant.

That's what I was talking about--eating out at restaurants. They let you take your leftovers home but if you go out to eat there...you will always be eating in the restaurant.

Part of the reason for eating out is the decor, the service, not having dishes to wash. I don't understand not eating at the restaurant unless you go to a pizza place. Those places are usually ugly and they offer take out service and even delivery.

Here in MA I think the meals tax is just over 6% but in nearby New Hampshire it's 9%.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by in_newengland

That's what I was talking about--eating out at restaurants. They let you take your leftovers home but if you go out to eat there...you will always be eating in the restaurant.

Part of the reason for eating out is the decor, the service, not having dishes to wash. I don't understand not eating at the restaurant unless you go to a pizza place. Those places are usually ugly and they offer take out service and even delivery.

Here in MA I think the meals tax is just over 6% but in nearby New Hampshire it's 9%.

I don't know.

This columnist explains it really well. Basically there is a tax for the City/County, and a levy by the State.

http://pilotonline.com/news/local/co...29840d811.html

So in Norfolk, you're paying 11%, and then another 5% to Virginia. That is what I was referring to.

It is very expensive, and even if I eat at home with food prepared with my own hands, if I go to the grocery store, I pay taxes there as well. That is only 2.5%, but when you're used to not paying anything it adds up. They have us coming and going here.

[in_newengland]

Originally Posted by goofy328

I don't know.

This columnist explains it really well. Basically there is a tax for the City/County, and a levy by the State.

http://pilotonline.com/news/local/co...29840d811.html

So in Norfolk, you're paying 11%, and then another 5% to Virginia. That is what I was referring to.

It is very expensive, and even if I eat at home with food prepared with my own hands, if I go to the grocery store, I pay taxes there as well. That is only 2.5%, but when you're used to not paying anything it adds up. They have us coming and going here.

That's crazy. I thought they taxed groceries but I didn't want to believe it. At least here, food and clothing are considered necessities and therefore are tax-free. Restaurant meals are taxed because they consider it a luxury to eat out. I wonder what the state does what all that tax money!