Why is spaghetti and meatballs so expensive ?

[SeattleEd]

Nation wide chain.

We have two here in Seattle and I believe there is one in Portland.
It's generic pasta food and drinks for large groups. It's good for what it is but not for those with refined palates.

I never heard of Buca Di Beppo but just googled them.

Looks like there's one about 30 miles from me

Might have to check them out sometime

[Mikey]

I forgot about stuffed shells

I don't think I had them since hot lunch in school

Now I want some

[HardyGirl]

I am too, Mike. When I got to an Italian restaurant, I always order stuffed shells.

I'm a ricotta fool

The more a lasagna has it the better

[Duncan]

I never heard of Buca Di Beppo but just googled them.

Looks like there's one about 30 miles from me

Might have to check them out sometime

They have the best cannolis. Ever.

[EmergencyIan]

About 90 miles west of NYC spaghetti and meatballs usually costs like $9.95 at pizza places.

Add 5+ bucks for Italian restaurants

Weird thing is even veal parm is cheaper

It's about the same price here in NYC. The veal parm is higher in price, generally, than the spaghetti and meatballs. I'm sure there are exceptions.

- Ian

[Mikey]

I'm a ricotta fool

The more a lasagna has it the better

[PNGwynne]

I never order spaghetti (meatballs) or lasagne out--mine is better, if I do say so.

Spaghetti is cheap, but lasagne is pricey to make.

[Mikey]

About 90 miles west of NYC spaghetti and meatballs usually costs like $9.95 at pizza places.

Add 5+ bucks for Italian restaurants

Weird thing is even veal parm is cheaper

[EmergencyIan]

Here in NYC, at Italian restaurants, spaghetti and meatballs is always about the least expensive entree on the menu.

- Ian

[Zemo]

^It's pasta and ground beef/sausage with tomatoes. It is something that I would never order when I'm out though.

[Gorn Captain]

I've never eaten that. It doesn't exist here.
I'll have to make some from scratch!

[HardyGirl]

It is the same mix, but w/ some oregano and a little parmesan cheese added in.

I love Italian meatballs

tried a lot of recipes from the net but they're just not as good as getting them out.

a lot of people say it's the same mix as meatloaf but I dont agree

Italian meatballs are their own seperate entity

[Mikey]

I love Italian meatballs

tried a lot of recipes from the net but they're just not as good as getting them out.

a lot of people say it's the same mix as meatloaf but I dont agree

Italian meatballs are their own seperate entity

[Mikey]

I think you can get it for a reasonable price (and a huge serving) at Buca Di Beppo. !

I never heard of Buca Di Beppo but just googled them.

Looks like there's one about 30 miles from me

Might have to check them out sometime

[Confessional]

Because it's a classic and beloved dish; market cred in the food biz so to speak. Per ounce it's in the same profit class as most beverages, soups and side dishes.

While made with inexpensive ingredients, the simple deliciousness that can be found in noodles, rice or pasta does come with effort. As very few people are willing to make fresh pasta in their homes, a huge boxed industry exists and thus secures restaurant pricing.

The added protein is a wild card as meatballs or meat sauces can also range from entirely processed garbage to exquisite goodness. This is also the larger variable in pricing in $$-$$$$ restaurants.

Dammit Mikey!, now I'm hungry too! :P