Eating better at home

I’d like to ruin eating out for you. The next time you’re at a restaurant, check a few things out. The first thing I always notice, no matter where I’m eating is how the server or cashier handles the glass/cup. I HATE it when the cup is handled by the rim, since it’s likely they’re also the ones handling the cash, I’m now rubbing their money hands on my lips. Does this Coke taste a little like George Washington to you?

How is the food given to you? Do you have to pass every plate around like you’re sitting at a baseball game? Do they even know who ordered what or are they just auctioning off a tray? Do they tell you what it is or just throw it down on the table? And how is it placed on the table? Do they put that medium rare steak just below your nose or do they think your interest lies in the over cooked peas rolling around the plate? Sure, most of it’s minor, but that means it takes even less time to do it the right way.

And before you touch anything, look at your food. Take a big long steamy gawk at it. Are the French Fries stacked attractively or does it look like they were shot out of a cannon? Is the sandwich symmetrical or will you run out of meat or bun before the other? Is the pretty side of the fish up or are you looking at the salmon fat? You would have eaten it anyway, but grey streaks on my fish just aren’t nice to look at.

Here’s where a lot of this comes into play. When you figure out what you would have done differently, make a mental note. Even better, make the note about WHY you would have changed it. And the next time you entertain a date or family or party, plate the food for them. It makes the experience that much more complete when your food at least LOOKS better than a restaurant. Besides, you can always put the leftovers on the table and leave the second helpings up to them.

I think that’s one of the reasons I’d preferred eating out my whole life, especially now. It’s nice to feel like your meal was lovingly created, instead of everyone just sitting around the trough. Try it the next time you make dinner and even your macaroni and cheese will taste just a little better.