I am entirely untalented at blowing bubbles. Even so, in a jaunty mood, I was willing to hazard two bits on a gumball. For my investment I got grape — not my favorite flavor.
A pair of idiomatic expressions came to mind, with contrary meanings: "You pay your money, and you take your choice," and "You pay your money, and you take your chances." This was an instance of the latter. In the culinary realm — and, clearly, I'm willing to construe "culinary" very broadly — can any EIT reader supply another?
Sidewalk gumball machines
West 135th St. (Broadway-Amsterdam Ave.), Manhattan
You get what you pay for?
Posted by: Jeremy | September 13, 2012 at 09:29 AM
What I'm looking for is not a variation of expression. Rather, I'm looking for another instance in which one pays for food or beverage but choice is constrained, even though more than one option is on hand.
In this instance, my 25 cents entitled me to choose a gumball. Even though many gumball flavors were available and in full view, however, I didn't get to choose the flavor; that was left to chance. Can anyone supply a similar example?
Posted by: Dave Cook | September 13, 2012 at 10:23 AM
Omakase?
Posted by: Rich Sanders | September 14, 2012 at 03:58 PM
That's more like it; thanks, Rich!
Posted by: Dave Cook | September 14, 2012 at 05:44 PM
Are you kidding me? Surprises are great.I always loved gum ball machines. When I was a kid, green was my favorite color and I won't stop going back to the machine until I get the green one. I ended up walking home. :)
Posted by: Marie Maestas | September 27, 2012 at 07:15 AM