Suggestions for eating at restaurants

raymonda999

I just ran across the following on the foodnetwork.com site. Sounds like good general suggestions for not destroying a whole week's hard work and effort just for the sake of a restaurant meal.

-Ray



1. Read the whole menu. Get a feel for what’s available and estimate the calories before you make a decision about what to order.

2. Be the first to order. That way you won’t be tempted to go along when the rest of the gang orders more than you’d like to eat.

3. Consider à la carte. Try getting a soup or salad and an appetizer, or a couple of side dishes, instead of an overly large entree. Many restaurants these days offer smaller "tasting" plates or tapas-size portions too. They are worth a try and often just right in size.

4. Split the difference. If an entrée sounds like too much food, see if one of your dining companions would like to share it with you. Or set aside half of the food as soon as it arrives and ask the waiter to wrap it up for you.

5. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Most restaurants use a heavy hand with toppings; they just can’t help themselves. When they’re on the side you can control the amount without having to miss out. Rather than pouring them on, dip the tip of your fork into the dressing or sauce, then take a bite of food, so you’ll get a little taste in every bite.

6. Ask questions. Request that food be prepared your way, within reason (asking for a salad on the side instead of chips is reasonable; asking to have the fish and chips special steamed instead of fried is not). Ask politely but unapologetically; remember, restaurants are in the service business. Most are more than willing to accommodate your request—after all, you’re paying!

raymonda999

I just ran across the following on the foodnetwork.com site. Sounds like good general suggestions for not destroying a whole week's hard work and effort just for the sake of a restaurant meal.

-Ray



1. Read the whole menu. Get a feel for what’s available and estimate the calories before you make a decision about what to order.

2. Be the first to order. That way you won’t be tempted to go along when the rest of the gang orders more than you’d like to eat.

3. Consider à la carte. Try getting a soup or salad and an appetizer, or a couple of side dishes, instead of an overly large entree. Many restaurants these days offer smaller "tasting" plates or tapas-size portions too. They are worth a try and often just right in size.

4. Split the difference. If an entrée sounds like too much food, see if one of your dining companions would like to share it with you. Or set aside half of the food as soon as it arrives and ask the waiter to wrap it up for you.

5. Ask for sauces and dressings on the side. Most restaurants use a heavy hand with toppings; they just can’t help themselves. When they’re on the side you can control the amount without having to miss out. Rather than pouring them on, dip the tip of your fork into the dressing or sauce, then take a bite of food, so you’ll get a little taste in every bite.

6. Ask questions. Request that food be prepared your way, within reason (asking for a salad on the side instead of chips is reasonable; asking to have the fish and chips special steamed instead of fried is not). Ask politely but unapologetically; remember, restaurants are in the service business. Most are more than willing to accommodate your request—after all, you’re paying!

auntkaren

Thanks for the info......I had been wondering what to do when going to restaurant and stay on track

diannholland1965

And you can also get 1/2 orders.
Or order a childs portion.
OR if you do not want to do that.
Before you eat one bite, get a to go box.
Put 1/2 in the box and set it aside.
That way you will not be tempted to eat the whole thing and you have a great meal that is the right size for lunch the next day! :bigsmile:
--Diann...