This is the Japanese practice of eating only until 80% full. We in North America are fixated on filling up to bursting, super-sizing, and ordering massive portions. Well, that kind of thinking also leads to super-sized pant sizes and credit card statements. When dining out with just one other, try ordering an appy each and split an entrée. Beware, some places might tack on a splitting fee, but it shouldn’t be more than a couple of bucks. You’ll feel better for it and wait till you see the bill!
7. The latest thing
Keep your eyes open for newly opened places. These folks are motivated to get your business and may well be offering once in a lifetime deals for the first couple of weeks.
8. Let’s do lunch
Sometimes the biggest difference between a lunch and dinner menu is the pricing. At lunch, that porcini risotto you’ve been dying to try is $7, and at dinner, $12. There are a few factors that make evening dining more expensive for both the diner and the restaurateur, such as, candle light, linens, extra staff, perhaps even live music, and believe me, all those costs end up in that risotto!
9. Keep the party going at home
Wine and other alcoholic beverages are marked up at least two, if not three or four times in restaurants. At dinner, stick to one drink and water, and don’t be afraid to ask for tap with a wedge of lemon or lime. Don’t let a server shame you into ordering a bottle of expensive, imported water if that’s not what you want. Remember, a server is a salesperson for the kitchen, and it is his or her job to sell you as much food and drink as possible. So before you leave for the restaurant, put a bottle on ice, and when you get home, party on!
10. Don’t forget the doggie bag
Speaking of massive portions, what’s often left on the plate and sent to the composter can be enough for at least one more dinner or perhaps tomorrow’s brown bag lunch. Don’t feel silly about asking for a doggie bag, even in elegant, fine dining establishments. A classy place will package it up nicely and keep it aside for you until you are ready to leave.
Finally…take a walk
After dinner, resist the urge to splurge on dessert. Instead, take the gang or your date for a walk, it’s a good way to digest, spend some quality time together and hey, you just might amble past an ice cream truck or pastry shop!
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