Mushrooms are different from any other food we eat. They can elevate any dish and make even the most novice cook look like a world-class chef. But what makes mushrooms so unique, and why can’t they be overcooked?
How to get a job as a mystery diner
Any restaurant worth its salt wants to know what it’s doing right and what it’s screwing up. And they’re willing to pay you for that info. But they can’t just judge servers and kitchen staff when they’re on their best behavior. They need someone undercover.
Enter mystery dining. Restaurants get genuine feedback and you get to eat out for free. I found out how to have your cake and eat review it.
How it works
Yes, you really get your food free of charge, including tips and travel expenses, usually in the form of a voucher or gift card.
It is a job, though. You’ll have to give a ton of feedback about your restaurant visit. How was the food? How was the service? What could’ve been better? You’ll need to have an eye for detail and a good memory. You’ll also need to take some photos as part of the trip.
Oh, and you won’t need to worry about an awkward confrontation at the table. You’ll submit all your intel afterward to the company you’re working for.
Most of them have online portals, too. Once in their system, log into your account, check available assignments, choose one to complete and upload your results.
Who are these “mystery” companies?
Mystery dining agencies act as a middleman between you and larger restaurants that pay them for intel. Here are a few of the most reputable:
- Second to None has been in the biz for 30 years and can get you gigs in high-end and fast-food dining. Pretty sure getting paid to critique an In-N-Out burger is Barry’s dream job. They also work in retail if shopping’s more your speed.
- Eye Spy CC focuses on dining and has excellent reviews from reviewers who, uh, review for them. Shoppers report getting large enough budgets to go to high-end restaurants and really enjoy themselves. Nice!
- Market Force is another heavy-hitter in dining and retail. Diners say vouchers usually start small, but once you’ve worked with a company for a while, you can get larger assignments and additional pay.
FYI: This is a “secret” from restaurants but not from the IRS. If you make over $600 with any org, you must file a 1099 like a regular independent contractor.
How to apply
How to donate to Maui wildfire victims without getting scammed
I have so many listeners and readers in Hawaii. I also lived in Maui for years. It’s heart-wrenching to see lives lost, homes destroyed and the devastation. We won’t know the full extent of the loss for some time.
Scammers are ready to take advantage of people’s kindness in times like these. If you’re thinking of helping out, you need to know who to donate to.
Over 69% off!
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- Outdoor solar lights: Light up the night with these waterproof lights for just $26.99 — 85% off (they’re normally $180!). Solar-powered for up to 12 hours, their elegant design is perfect for the patio or walkways.
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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Can’t peel yourself off the couch? Amazon Prime members, get a year of Grubhub+ for free and skip the food delivery fees. Go to amazon.com/grubhub, hit Activate Grubhub+, and sign in or make an account. After your first year, it’s $10 a month, so set a reminder to cancel.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Palmer Candy Company is recalling its white-coated confectionery items due to a possible salmonella contamination. The FDA says these snacks, including pretzels, popcorn and chocolate, are sold in 17 states at stores like Walmart, Hy-Vee, Target and Dollar General. Got some? Return ‘em where you bought ’em for a full refund.
4 best apps to help you lose weight
Who couldn’t stand to live a little healthier lifestyle? Whether you’re looking to eat better or hit the gym more, you don’t have to go it alone. Try incorporating a fitness app. Tap or click here for important information before buying health supplements or weight loss pills online.
Use this app to find food cheaper than at the grocery store
It seems every time you go to the grocery store, your bill grows — even though you’re buying the same items as last week. The cost of living crisis is squeezing wallets across the nation. Luckily, you can cut back on your family’s food costs with popular apps for cheap food like Too Good To Go.
😤 Dangerous oversight: A heartbreaking 15 folks have died after ingesting sodium nitrate, listed on Amazon as a food preservative. It’s safe at low concentrations, but it was sold at 99% purity. Now, the victims’ families are suing, saying Amazon ignored warnings, deleted bad reviews and nudged customers to buy. Amazon’s defense? It says it’s not liable for how customers use its products.
Score: A bunch of fast-food restaurants have apps that give you discounts and free stuff. Here’s a list. Just know you’re handing over data, so the freebies aren’t really free. Worth it for french fries? Your call.
Millions of pounds of canned meat may be contaminated - Check your cabinets
Canned goods have a much longer shelf life than fresh meat and produce. But if something goes wrong with packaging, it could put your health at risk. That’s precisely what happened recently with over 2.5 million cans of meat and poultry products. A packaging defect could lead to contaminated contents.
Shopping smarts: Groceries you shouldn't buy at Walmart
Earlier this year, we saw a steady hike in prices for many commodities such as food, gas and silicon used for electronics. While things are getting better, increased prices have led many to turn to bargain shopping.
According to the USDA, food prices in March 2022 were 8.8% higher than in March 2021. Everything from eggs to meat to produce has been increasing in price. Tap or click here for our report.
Think food prices are high now? Get ready to pay even more
Gas prices are incredibly volatile during world events. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted the supply chain, and millions of barrels of Russian oil were pulled off the market.
Last year’s cyberattack on the East Coast fuel pipeline led to gas shortages, hoarding and wildly fluctuating prices. There are ways to find cheap gas in your area that can help offset the rising costs. Tap or click here to learn more.
Check your fridge! Ground beef recalled over risk of E. coli
Products get recalled all the time, but it seems worse when it’s something that we eat. Especially if the recall was due to a rodent infestation. Tap or click here for details on this particularly gross recall.
There have been many food-related recalls lately. From potentially dangerous vegetables to a mysterious salmonella outbreak, thousands of people have fallen ill.
Add a little ambiance to your home with these 13 upgrades
When you look around your home, does it make you feel relaxed? Comfortable? Maybe you’ve finally reached a point where you’re living in the lap of luxury.
No? Well, saddle up because all it takes is a new set of curtains here and an area rug there to make your home look radiant.
Spruce up your kitchen with these 13 great products
Is your kitchen full of old, broken appliances, cracked cups and stained plates? Yep, it’s definitely time for a kitchen product makeover.
All it takes is a few matching sets, some space-saving items and this list of 13 outstanding products that promise to spruce up your kitchen.
12 affordable things that save the day in the kitchen
Amazing appliances allow us to cook and reheat food quickly and easily. We enjoy the convenience of a refrigerator, freezer, microwave, oven and more to make culinary life effortless.
But no matter how great your kitchen is, there’s always room for improvement. If you’re ready to enhance your daily life, check out these finds guaranteed to save the day in the kitchen.
How you can help Ukraine and save almost $7,000 on video games at once
Since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, charities worldwide have sprung into action. Last Tuesday, President Joe Biden said the U.S. would send “tens of thousands of tons” of medical supplies, food and water to soldiers and civilians. Tap or click here for the best ways to donate to Ukrainian people and forces.
Check your freezer! Ice cream and frozen meals recalled
The potentially deadly listeria monocytogenes bacteria has been the leading cause of various food recalls over the last few months. Showing no signs of abating soon, yet another manufacturing plant tested positive for infection.
Why your groceries will be more expensive in 2022
Supply chain disruptions have not only been causing product shortages, they’re also responsible for price hikes across several industries. For one, the global semiconductor chip shortage is affecting the prices and availability of electronics and tech products such as gaming consoles, computers and even cars.