Take It or Leave It?

01/11/11

Okay, so I couldn’t let such a numerically fascinating date pass unnoticed.  Aren’t you glad?  Did you miss me?  Barring unforeseen circumstances, this is the last time you’ll go so long without hearing from me! 

In my previous post I introduced you to Directive #1:  Don’t forget the bag.  But what goes INTO your doggie bag?   And what should remain on the table?   Some items clearly fall into one or the other, but there’s also some middle-ground.

Let’s get the negative out of the way first.  Sealed items, such as packets of sugar and artificial sweeteners, toast and biscuit toppers of marmalade, jelly, and honey, along with cellophane-wrapped crackers and breadsticks are items that restaurants may serve and re-serve.  While tucking a few into your purse or pocket may be acceptable (please note the ‘may’), handfuls are not.  Basically anything that is sanitarily sealed should be consumed during your visit or left on the table.

Then there are all-you-can-eat restaurants or specials (can you say Friday Night Fish Fry Wisconsinites?), smorgasbords, and buffets.  All-you-can-eat does NOT mean all you can fit on your plate before asking for a doggie bag!  Please RTDS or RTDM!  (That’s Read the Darn Sign or Read the Darn Menu for those not in the know.)  Restaurants that do not provide doggie bags clearly communicate that.  And no, that does not translate into bringing your own to fill up on the sly.  *sigh* 

Now to the fun stuff!  Of course you know that anything left on your entrée plate can be taken, but did you know that you can request items that will ensure a pleasant re-eating experience?  For example, French Dip sandwiches generally come with a small container of au jus.  If you’re like me, that is barely sufficient for one-half of the sandwich!  Of course, that’s okay because I’ve already filled up on the sides and planned to take half of my sandwich home anyway.  But I can’t sit down to savor it without au jus, and I usually don’t have any at home.  So ask your server to put a covered container of au jus in your doggie bag. 

And here’s another little tip.  Whether you’re dieting or not, always request dressing on the side when you have a salad.  Why?  Because it might be larger than you expected or your entrée may come more quickly than you thought and you want to take home the salad you can’t eat.  Have you ever taken a dressed salad home?  When you opened it up the next day, did you want to eat it?  If so, please let me know as it’s never worked for me!  But when you have dressing on the side your unsullied, uneaten salad will be nearly as tasty as you could wish, especially with the restaurant dressing in its own little capped container!  

Basically anything that’s NOT sanitarily sealed is fair game!  Yes that includes bread, rolls, butter in a dish or on a plate, sour cream or anything else in an open dish or container.  Most of those items cannot be served to any other customers.  When in doubt, ask your server.  They’re your friendly resource, providing you’ve treated them right from the time you were seated.  (More on server-respect in a future posting.)

So whether the restaurant cleans your plate and packs your doggie bag for you or simply provides a container for you to fill up as you wish, you now know what goes in it!  Enjoy fellow re-eaters!