Cook solo or hit the restaurant

This article is part of the project Montreal Experiences and Lifestyle. Montreal has many restaurants. I was told that the concentration of restaurants in relation to residents is among the world's most dense. They provide imaginative, type of cuisine with a wide range of ethnic cooking styles.

There is the temptation to totally neglect cooking and just get food in a restaurant or fast food. It obviously saves you a lot of time: you don't have to trek to supermarkets only to endure endless line ups and you don't spend your time in the kitchen. But isn't it much more expensive?

I tested my theory by cooking on my own for one week: I spent around 10 bucks (Canadian) per day.

Monday - cooking on my own

Tuesday - cooking on my own

Wednesday - cooking on my own

Thursday - cooking on my own

Friday - cooking on my own

Saturday - cooking on my own

Sunday - cooking on my own

And then by eating in restaurants or food places for another week: In average I spent around the double amount of money, 20 bucks per day (Canadian), without considering my breakfast which is home cooked.

Monday - eating in restaurants

Tuesday - eating in restaurants

Wednesday - eating in restaurants

Thursday - eating in restaurants

Friday - eating in restaurants

Saturday - eating in restaurants

Sunday - eating in restaurants

Eating out all the time is not significantly more expensive than cooking. I am happy that I can continue eating in restaurants without feeling guilty. Montreal is a great place to do this! I will choose between Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Middle Eastern, Indian, Portuguese, Italian, French, etc. food. But I have to admit, I was hungering for my own cooking after this 'restaurant-week'. I can choose my own food, it's quality and cooking process. I think a balance of going to restaurants and cooking is the best choice.