Survey Shows New Jersey Has Culinary Skills Compared With Other States

Living in New Jersey, we tend to gather at each other's homes for dinner as a way of relaxation and socialization. I often find myself impressed at the passion and culinary skills some of my friends have for putting a meal together. It not only tastes delicious, but it looks like a work of art on the plate.

For me, dinner is more about nutrition than it is about culinary artistry. I cook because it is essential to eat. I do not cook because I like to spend an hour or more in the kitchen prepping, cooking, and cleaning my bowls, pots, and utensils. I cannot whip up an entire meal from scratch, and know the exact ingredients to use without the help of a good old-fashioned cookbook.

Intrigued by this culinary diversity between my friends and myself, I uncovered a survey done by CoventryDirect.com revealing the cooking skills of Americans across different states. There were regional trends, where the culinary heritage of the South claimed the top spots. Kentucky came in at #1 with Florida at a close #2. Louisianans who claim they rarely use recipes, came in at #3. Meanwhile, New Jersey, with its down-to-earth cooking approach, held high in the rankings, with a proud #7.

According to the survey, Americans are over/undercooking meals (24%), mastering the art of timing to ensure everything is ready at once (23%), and injuring themselves (11%). Despite these apprehensions, a notable 19% of respondents report never being nervous about cooking for any reason.

The survey revealed that only 1 in 10 Americans report having a fully-equipped kitchen with everything they would want in it. Not having the right equipment can cause some frustration when trying to prepare a new dish for the first time. There is one very important piece of equipment that many Americans seem to be missing: a fire extinguisher. Over one-third of Americans (35%) report not having a fire extinguisher within easy access to the kitchen. Trust me, when I am cooking, I always make sure that I have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Cooking is not just about creating meals. Cooking is a reflection of culture, tradition, and personal expression. In New Jersey, convenience often trumps elaborate culinary ventures. Cooking remains a skill in this state which is approached with practicality rather than passion. There is a certain charm in knowing that the kitchen, still serves as a hub of nourishment and connection for families across the Garden State.

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Denny's are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee's, Chili's, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It's worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including "your house," family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it's a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn't until the late '90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it's all about eating a meal.

There's something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that's why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee's. So, let's chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you're in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it's there. It's that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It's like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef's specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn't want to feel like we've emptied our pockets for a single meal. That's why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you've got more than four people in your party. Unless you've made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone's a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.