On 22 Oct 2003 13:15:07 -0500, "Bob" > wrote:

>JakeInHartsel wrote:
>
>> Why do I like small portions, first if it is on my plate I am probably
>> going to eat it, although I am learning to show some restraint. And then
>> I go away feeling overfull and uncomfortable, not the way I prefer to end
>> a dining experience.
>
>One way to get the most out of your dining experience is to pace it
>properly. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of eating at Aqua in Las
>Vegas. The portions were small, but the courses were presented at just the
>right intervals. The effect this has is to fill your stomach slowly, so
>that you feel full even though you haven't eaten all that much. (Aqua's a
>great restaurant, by the way: The food is wonderful and the service is
>world-class.)

I find this interesting. Even a seeming proponent of moderate portions
is waiting for a large cumulative amount of food to "feel full." I
was with a group of previously unacquainted people a couple of years
ago and listened to one rave about a new restaurant in town. She and
fellow diners had had "huge plates" full of food. They'd all taken
home enough for at least another meal. This woman talked glowingly for
15 minutes about the *quantity* of food, without ever mentioning the
taste or what was offered/eaten. Her delight was entirely focussed on
huge portions of...something.

I may be out of step, but my desire, when I eat out, is neither
bringing home a bag of leftovers, nor walking out of a restaurant
feeling like a python that's swallowed a goat.

To me, "feeling full" is usually a negative aspect of dining. On the
order of "I can't believe I ate the whole thing." A desire to lie down
for a couple of hours, or guilt for stuffing myself doesn't make me
think fondly of the meal I've just consumed. I'm pretty sure, no,
absolutely sure, that my daily caloric needs will be met by moderate
or even smallish (i.e., recommended) portions of delightful
well-prepared food.

I will complain as fast as any (faster, I think) about ill-prepared
food, or "clam chowder" made without visible pieces of clam, or
overcooked beef, but unless a 20oz steak is advertised on the menu and
turns out to be a 4oz lump, portion size is not something I'd argue
about.