Take-out or takeout (in North American and Philippine English); also carry-out (in U.S. and Scotland);take-away (in the United Kingdom other than Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, and Ireland),parcel (in Indian English and Pakistani English), refers to prepared meals or other food items, purchased at a restaurant, that the purchaser intends to eat elsewhere. A concept found in many ancient cultures, take-out food is now common worldwide, with a number of different cuisines and dishes on offer.

History

The concept of prepared meals to be eaten elsewhere dates back to antiquity. Market and roadside stalls selling food were common in both Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. In Pompeii, archaeologists have found a number of thermopolia. These were service counters, opening onto the street, which provided food to be taken away and eaten elsewhere. There is a distinct lack of formal dining and kitchen area in Pompeian homes, which may suggest that eating, or at least cooking, at home was unusual. Over 200 thermopolia have been found in the ruins of Pompeii.

Take Out is a 2004 independent film depicting a day-in-the-life of an illegal Chinese immigrant working as a deliveryman for a Chinese take-out shop in New York City. The widely acclaimed film, co-written and directed by Sean Baker and Shih-Ching Tsou, has been nominated for the John Cassavetes award in the 2009 Independent Spirit Awards.

Take Out was filmed in and near upper-Manhattan, New York, in the spring of 2003. It debuted at the Slamdance Film Festival in January 2004. In June 2008 it was given a limited release through CAVU Pictures. On September 1, 2009, Kino Entertainment released Take Out in the US on a Region 1 DVD.

Plot

Take Out is a day-in-the-life of Ming Ding (Charles Jang), an illegal Chinese immigrant working as a deliveryman for a Chinese take-out shop in New York City. Ming is behind with payments on his huge debt to the smugglers who brought him to the United States. The collectors have given him until the end of the day to deliver the money that is due. After borrowing most of the money from friends and relatives, Ming realizes that the remainder must come from the day's delivery tips. In order to do so, he must make more than double his average daily income.

Take Out is a 2007 short thriller film by Bill Hall, with Jonathan Budine as the director, producer and editor. The short introduces Mary Ann Emerson, appearing in her first lead role, and includes veteran New York City actor Alexis Suarez. Scream queen Debbie Rochon also appears in a cameo role. "Take Out" features the cinematography of Bud Hayman and production design of Jim Welsh who also co-produced, as well as, original music composed by Ray Nissen.

Plot

The film revolves around a working woman (Mary Ann Emerson) who travels into a parking garage to retrieve her car. As the film opens, we are introduced to our main character and her friend as they head towards the parking garage in the dark of night. The street sign they pass foreshadows events to come. It reads "Do Not Enter". Our leading lady, whose character name is not revealed, says her goodbyes to her friend, played by Debbie Rochon, as she heads into the garage alone. Inside we travel with her as she makes her way to her car. She pauses and something seems to heighten her senses. Through "point of view" the audience is aware that someone is watching her.