Chef Dave’s Corner

Dining Out 101

My favorite line when going out to eat is “I’m a cheap date!” Truth be told, my bill ends up being almost the same as it was before, just with a few modifications. Here are a few tips for making your night out on the town a success.

First, know where you’re going. By knowing the establishment you will be visiting, for the most part, you can plan you meal before you get there. Next, look at the appetizer section first. Most appetizer menus offer main course proteins, without the extra side dishes. Remember to stay away from the fried foods.

When ordering your main course always ASK “What’s in it?” and “How is it prepared?” You don’t want anything made with flour or corn starch or foods that contain added sugar, and “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer from your server. Also, remember how food is cooked has a lot to do with how moist and tender it will be.

Take your time! Don’t rush your eating. You will find, when a bunch of friends or family get together, they all eat at the same pace. Don’t fall into the trap. Hold steady and take your time. Remember your meal should take at least 20 minutes.

Restaurant Tips

· Know in advance where you’re going

· Plan your meal before you get there

· Order clear soups

· Ask what’s in it, and how’s it prepared

· Order from the appetizer menu

· Take your time eating

Dessert Anyone…

When it comes to dessert and eating out, the temptation is great. The lovely wait person comes to your table with a tray full of dessert. This is a hard sell! Then your eyes begin to focus on the dripping chocolate sauces and the glistening caramel, and the banana bread pudding with a white chocolate brandy sauce catches your eye. Ouch, now that’s going to hurt! When choosing dessert, always pick the lesser of two evils, and let dessert just be DESSERT.

Soup or Salad

One of the first questions asked when placing your order from the wait person is…Soup or Salad? I say go for the soup, it has both solids and liquid, you ask? Correct it does, but choose the broth soup. Instruct the waiter that you would like all broth. Most restaurants can accommodate this request.

There are a few rules you need to follow. If it a cream-based soup or thick soup, such as bean, or tomato based soup do your best to skip these types of soup. These are thicker, and in most cases will cause you to feel full before your main course arrives. Also remember to ask how the soup is made. You always want to make sure you know what you’re eating before you dig in.

If the soup they are offering does not appeal to you then order a salad, but have it come with your dinner. This way you can eat your salad along with your main entrée. Your salad would count as your vegetable. As a reminder, always order your dressing on the side.