Whenever I go out to eat with my friends and family they understand that my food order is usually a process. Rarely do I order a dish the way it is, and often times have the chef create something not even on the menu. A chef once personally came to my table to deliver a meal and to say how he should make my dish a new menu item!
Yes, I bet that sometimes the kitchen and wait staff wish I had just found something on the menu and shut up, but 97.9% of the time they are accommodating and helpful. Heck, I bet it spikes up some good conversation in the kitchen!
Below is my meal at Legal Harborside at the new Liberty Wharf. Check out the menu (we sat on the first floor), the menu changes by floor. I ended up getting the Wild Salmon, which was the special. Instead of rice, mashed potatoes, french fries, or cole slaw I asked for a side of avocados, tomatoes and cucumbers (they threw some feta and pesto to make it festive). It was really fresh and delicious. :)
Here are some tips on ordering when dining out:
- opt for steamed or grilled rather than fried, "crispy", or breaded
- dressing and sauces on the side
- order vinaigrette rather than creamy dressings
- Order things in their most original state. So rather than mashed potatoes (which are probably loaded with butter or cream) order a steamed sweet potato or some kind of veggie.
- If you know where you are going to dine, check out the menu beforehand. You will be prepared and avoid "bad" last-minute decisions.
- If I feel like soup I ask what the base of the soup is. Cream? or broth? If its cream I stay away.
