Sharing is caring
Now as many would know I’m a restaurantaholic. While I loveeeee my cooking and spending my weekends glued to the kitchen, eating out is where I get my inspiration! Not only do I get to inspect the menus of Victoria’s (and beyond) best, but I get to try new and interesting flavours all while soaking up the atmosphere and vibe of each venue. Man, have I had some amazing food experiences over the years.
I’m your go to girl, my friends will come to me asking where they should head for their next restaurant outing, but really it’s on them (a.k.a you guys) to make the most of that experience once you’re there!
While some might arrive and think okay I’ll order a glass of vino and one meal for myself.... darrrrring let me tell you, you’re doing it all wrong.
There’s experiencing food when you’re eating and then there’s a food EXPERIENCE when you’re eating out... if you get what I mean. If you don’t, it doesn’t matter because I’m about to tell you right now!
With this in mind, I wanted to share my advice and top tips for modern day dining and how to get the most out of your visit, from both an experiential and money perspective.
Always order plates to share
I said it above, the days of ordering one main meal per person are, well in my view, DEAD. Don’t even try to pull dietary requirements or meal preference on me. Why? Well because 1. restaurants will cater to each person accordingly 2. if someone is vegan/vegetarian, either request alternative options or just eat to their preference. Honestly, it’s incredible what is now being created with plant based foods, a craft in itself and you’ll never be none the wiser when it comes to taste. Back on track.
Ordering share plates is the one true way to get a real insight into what the venue has to offer. Not only will you often surprise yourself as to what you quite like (that you would’ve otherwise not ordered) but you get to fill up from a flavourful bite of a bit of this and a bit of that, as opposed to sticking with one dish.
I don’t know about you but depending on the dish e.g. a rich curry, the flavours can leave a strong taste in my mouth. Ordering to share is the perfect answer to this because it leaves your palette feeling balanced and your tummy satisfied. Not convinced? Read on.
Ask for recommendations from the staff
When I look at a menu I can get foodxiety over what to choose because I want to try one of everything lol, first world problems. You don’t need to sit there and go what’s this or what’s that, especially when it comes to foreign elements you might notice in the meals at Asian fusion or Middle Eastern restaurants. The perfect answer to this?
Consider doing the feed me menu. While they can range in price depending where you’re headed... they’re seriously good bang for buck, because you’re always stuffed AND you get to try the menu’s best/most popular items.
Alternatively, ask the staff what they recommend. Sometimes it’s easier to have the decision taken off your own hands (I find in these situations) and let them decide! They work closely with the chefs, they’ll have tried the food (most of the time) and know the size of the plates. This puts them in a great position to recommend items from the menu and know how much to order depending on how many attendees. I’m always trying new dishes because of this and honestly, it’s a game changer.
Think about the breakdown of the menu when ordering
If you are in fact going to decide amongst yourselves, think smarter not harder when it comes to choosing. As many would know, a menu is often broken down into snacks, entree, mains, sides and desserts. So, if you’ve got a table of four, think logically when it comes to selecting items to share.
I always recommend picking a couple from each and then a main or two depending on how hungry you are. Remember you can always order more (need to take my own advice lol) and are better off asking if the staff feel you’ll have enough food.
Take it or leave it, it’s completely up to you. If your style ain’t broke, then don’t fix it (I suppose), but maybe this will inspire you to try something or somewhere new! After all I’m only a message away from your next restaurant recommendation. Happy eating!