Hello!

Introducing Doggie Bag Diva!

November 25, 2010

Welcome fellow foodies, to a new player in the realm of eating well and wisely. 

Are you:

·         one of those fortunate college students whose relatives visit and take you out to dinner?

·         empty nesters at a loss with only two of you at home for meals?

·         a single person wondering what to do with those tasty tidbits remaining on your restaurant plate?

·         eating on a budget?

·         striving to eat less when dining out in spite of the large portions served?

·         a former member of the Clean Plate Club who just can’t stand to see food wasted?

Doggie Bag Diva to the rescue!

This blog will share what I’ve learned from a lifetime of maximizing dining experiences along with tips from servers, chefs, chefs-in-training, restaurant managers, and practical people who I’m fortunate to call my friends.  I’ll also be researching answers to such deeply puzzling questions as “Why do French fries always taste like cardboard when you reheat them at home?” 

Of course, this is a blog, so you are also invited to join my virtual picnic.  Do you have a favorite tip to share?  A terrific recipe for doggie bag leftovers from your favorite restaurant?  A classic doggie bag horror story?  Do tell! 

Or you might be one of the many who are confused as to when it is and is not appropriate to ask for a doggie bag.  What items on the table may you purloin with impunity?  Ask Doggie Bag Diva!  If I don’t know the answer myself, rest assured that I’ll find it for you! 

Where to start?  Thanksgiving, of course!  Are you gathering together with friends and family?  Is everyone bringing a bit of the dinner and snacks for the day?  Is it possible there will be more leftovers than the hosts or providers will want to keep?  After all, who can eat an entire bowl of the ubiquitous green bean casserole?   Check that – I have some friends who would be perfectly willing to do so! 

Since this is appearing on Thanksgiving, and you didn’t have time to prepare, you may not have brought your own containers or plastic bags.  Here’s where you can take advantage of the stores that are open on the holiday.   Is there at least one attendee who is not needed in the kitchen or for watching the kids and *gasp* not interested in football?  Take stock of the potential remains, make a list of containers and bags (of varying sizes) that might be needed, and send them off to the store.  And don’t forget to pick up a permanent marker and some labels!  That way things can be packaged as the table is cleared, labeled for each recipient, so when the tryptophan hits, the leftovers won’t be mixed up.  After all, Uncle Bob relishes the cranberries, but could not care less about the dressing.  Aunt Johnellen savors the dressing, but abhors jello.  Let people take what they’ll eat.  If there are conflicts, let them duke it out whenever it seems easiest to absorb in the mix of the milieu.  You might even make note of the conflicts to better prepare for the next shared holiday.  If everyone wants gravy, plan ahead and make LOTS! 

Obviously this has not addressed all of the possible Thanksgiving leftover issues, but I hope it’s given you food for thought.  If additional issues or ideas have arisen throughout the day, please share them here.  After all, if they happened at your gathering, you can bet they’ve arisen elsewhere and your complaint, idea, solution will be welcomed by many!