Leftovers or 'Rightunders'? The Debate Over Reheating Remains

A local writer reflects on his lifelong relationship with leftover food and the changing ways we store and reheat it.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:37am

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A softly focused, abstract photograph in shades of amber and ochre, depicting the blurred outlines of a takeout container filled with the remnants of a pizza meal, evoking a sense of comfort and nostalgia around leftover food.A cozy, intimate glimpse at the remnants of a shared meal, a testament to the enduring appeal of leftovers.Mansfield Today

The author discusses his personal history with leftovers, from an early traumatic experience with reheated liver and onions to his current appreciation for the convenience of leftovers, especially dishes like chili that can improve with time. He also touches on the evolution of food storage containers, from old Cool Whip tubs to modern resealable glass, and the challenges of identifying when frozen leftovers have gone bad.

Why it matters

This lighthearted story taps into a universal experience - dealing with leftovers - and highlights how our relationship with food waste and reheating has evolved over time. It provides a relatable, first-person perspective on the joys and pitfalls of leftovers that many readers can connect with.

The details

The author recounts how he and his wife often end up with leftover pizza, breadsticks, and dipping sauces after dining out. He defines 'leftovers' as the unused or unconsumed food that gets saved for later. The author enjoys eating leftovers, unlike his wife who is more selective. He shares a childhood memory of being forced to eat reheated liver and onions, which turned him off the dish for life. The author also discusses the improvements in food storage, from old plastic containers to modern resealable glass, and the challenges of identifying when frozen leftovers have gone bad.

  • The author's traumatic experience with reheated liver and onions happened when he was around 3 years old, living on Burns Street in Mansfield, Ohio.
  • The author's blog post 'The Quest for the Big Dumper' was published the previous week.

The players

The Author

A local writer who enjoys eating leftovers, unlike his wife who is more selective about reheating and consuming leftover food.

The Author's Wife

The author's wife who rarely eats leftovers, preferring to reheat only certain dishes like chili or chicken.

The Author's Father

The author's father who forced him to eat the reheated liver and onions as a child in order to have dessert.

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What they’re saying

“Hey, Neav. This chili isn't purple and it doesn't smell bad so can I still eat it?”

— The Author

“Well, it should still be okay so what you don't east today should go into the garbage disposal.”

— The Author's Wife

The takeaway

This story highlights how our relationship with leftovers has evolved over time, from the challenges of reheating dishes like liver and onions to the convenience of modern food storage options. It serves as a relatable, first-person account of the joys and pitfalls of dealing with leftover food that many readers can connect with.