Courtesy Eckert's
HOT SPOT
Eckert’s for Pick-Your-Own
Courtesy Eckert's
New this year, pick-your-own seasons at Eckert’s will be by reservation only, with time slots offered in advance to ensure social distancing. The Belleville farm will have fresh blackberries beginning July 1, with peaches and vegetables (squash, tomatoes, beets, corn, kale, peppers, turnips, and onions) available by mid-July. The Grafton farm will be open for picking blackberries and peaches beginning July 17. Guests are asked to wear masks and be mindful of social distancing. Handwashing stations will be provided for patrons to wash their hands before entering the fields. All Eckert’s staff plan to wear masks and follow additional CDC recommendations. Reservations are currently open through Sunday, July 19. The cost is $3 per person and children under 2 years old are free, but is subject to change. Reserve a time online here for the Belleville farm and here for the Grafton farm.
INSIDER TIP
Picnic Packs from Lion’s Choice
Courtesy Lion's Choice
Take a break from the barbecued pork steaks, brats, and brisket this summer to check out the two new, family-size picnic meal options from Lion’s Choice. Choose between 12 cub-sized sandwiches (with four oven-roasted turkey, four roast beef, and four hickory-smoked ham), paired with a 16-ounce container of creamy coleslaw and a large bag of new house-made chips (dusted with a generous shake of Lion’s Choice Famous Seasoning, of course) or six full-size original roast beef sandwiches, with coleslaw and house-made chips. The $30 Picnic Packs are available until September 7 at all locations, with all transactions taking place at Lion’s Choice drive-thru windows. Guests can also place pickup orders online or through the Lion’s Choice app and order delivery through DoorDash.
MICRORANT
Misleading Online Ordering Platforms
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We find it unnerving that third-party delivery companies can charge restaurants for phone calls (to proxy phone numbers) that didn’t translate to orders or accept a customer’s order and then deliver it, charging the non-partnered restaurant an exorbitant fee, all without prior knowledge or approval. Restaurants (even some that prefer not to offer delivery) are then forced to do business with third-party companies and must deal with any resultant complaints. Ordering from a restaurant directly by phone or by using its own website or app is the best way to maximize its profits; many restaurants have even switched to self-delivery. Know your ordering options—don’t just click on the first listing that pops up.
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