I went to try a new patisserie. Normal stuff like almond croissants. And some interesting unique items as well. All pretty expensive (I missed the memo where almond croissants shall now cost $8). Honestly, it was pretty good and better than other place. But $8 is pretty steep regardless.

Anyway, it's more expensive than I was thinking but I'm there so I select a few of the unique items to try.

3 items, $32. Now mind you, these things are the size of a small donut - like 2-3" cubes. Not even a slice of cake or pie.

So, I go to pay and the register is asking me if I want to tip. For putting a few pastries into a box. That took all of 15 seconds. So 15% (of $32) for 15 seconds? And they asked me if I wanted to PAY for a bag to carry the small box.

They want me to pay for a $0.03 bag and leave a tip of $4-5 for 15 seconds of 'work' involving overprices pastries?

Even if they gave the bag for free, I wouldn't be inclined to tip. But asking me to pay for the bag (not sure how much they were going to charge for it even), and then ask for a tip - ummm, no. Just on principle. No.

Now, again, I'll admit that the pastries were unique and delicious. But expensive. And I'll probably not be going back.

Wow. Things are bad here in central Florida, but not that bad.

Seek out a local Lidl

My wife was shopping in an outdoor mall, I see a pie shop, I go in. I see a standard apple pie. I ask how much. I’m expecting $15 to $25. The price was $45. Holy smokes! I’m not buying it by the slice as if I was in a restaurant. I left.

Around here the registers/card readers don’t even show a 15% tip. They all start at 20%. Paper bags are 20 cents. Can’t have plastic bags cause it might choke the Chihuahuan sea turtles.