On Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:58:33 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> Although they are somewhat unappealing to me on the big food level. Most of
> what is on the menu is what I would term as big food because they give you
> mammoth proportions of everything! So perhaps the prices themselves are not
> less than Red Robin, you do get a huge amount of food that you could easily
> split two or three ways if so inclined.

We usually run into places like that when we're on vacation. We're in
an unfamiliar place, traveling around - staying in a different motel
almost every night (so no desire to take leftovers with us) and most
likely will never make a return visit there. Portions are so huge
that we would have split it had we known before hand how much they put
on the plate. We can only look at all that food in amazement and say
"no wonder Americans are fat".

--
I take life with a grain of salt, a slice of lemon and a shot of tequila

In article >,
says...
>
> On Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:58:33 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
> > Although they are somewhat unappealing to me on the big food level. Most of
> > what is on the menu is what I would term as big food because they give you
> > mammoth proportions of everything! So perhaps the prices themselves are not
> > less than Red Robin, you do get a huge amount of food that you could easily
> > split two or three ways if so inclined.
>
> We usually run into places like that when we're on vacation. We're in
> an unfamiliar place, traveling around - staying in a different motel
> almost every night (so no desire to take leftovers with us) and most
> likely will never make a return visit there. Portions are so huge
> that we would have split it had we known before hand how much they put
> on the plate. We can only look at all that food in amazement and say
> "no wonder Americans are fat".

Is it perfectly acceptable in US restaurants, to order only one
portion to share between 2 or 3 occupying a table? Or is this
restricted to a certain class of eatery?

Janet UK

On 8/12/2013 11:58 AM, Janet wrote:
> In article >,
> says...
>>
>> On Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:58:33 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> Although they are somewhat unappealing to me on the big food level. Most of
>>> what is on the menu is what I would term as big food because they give you
>>> mammoth proportions of everything! So perhaps the prices themselves are not
>>> less than Red Robin, you do get a huge amount of food that you could easily
>>> split two or three ways if so inclined.
>>
>> We usually run into places like that when we're on vacation. We're in
>> an unfamiliar place, traveling around - staying in a different motel
>> almost every night (so no desire to take leftovers with us) and most
>> likely will never make a return visit there. Portions are so huge
>> that we would have split it had we known before hand how much they put
>> on the plate. We can only look at all that food in amazement and say
>> "no wonder Americans are fat".
>
> Is it perfectly acceptable in US restaurants, to order only one
> portion to share between 2 or 3 occupying a table? Or is this
> restricted to a certain class of eatery?
>
> Janet UK
>

Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving
to have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be
shared if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and
the servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.

I've noticed in the United States that there are more places that
emphasize large portions for value prices but that's the system they
have. I rarely see portion sizes like that at value restaurants in
Canada, even at the American chains that operate here.

Then there's the walk up and help yourself "salad bar" at places...

On 8/12/2013 11:58 AM, Janet wrote:

>
> Is it perfectly acceptable in US restaurants, to order only one
> portion to share between 2 or 3 occupying a table? Or is this
> restricted to a certain class of eatery?
>
> Janet UK
>

Yes, in most cases. Sometimes there is a restriction on certain
specials, but that is rare. No sharing at "all you can eat" buffets,
for instance.

In article >, says...
>
> On 8/12/2013 11:58 AM, Janet wrote:
> > In article >,
> > says...
> >>
> >> On Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:58:33 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> >> > wrote:
> >>
> >>> Although they are somewhat unappealing to me on the big food level. Most of
> >>> what is on the menu is what I would term as big food because they give you
> >>> mammoth proportions of everything! So perhaps the prices themselves are not
> >>> less than Red Robin, you do get a huge amount of food that you could easily
> >>> split two or three ways if so inclined.
> >>
> >> We usually run into places like that when we're on vacation. We're in
> >> an unfamiliar place, traveling around - staying in a different motel
> >> almost every night (so no desire to take leftovers with us) and most
> >> likely will never make a return visit there. Portions are so huge
> >> that we would have split it had we known before hand how much they put
> >> on the plate. We can only look at all that food in amazement and say
> >> "no wonder Americans are fat".
> >
> > Is it perfectly acceptable in US restaurants, to order only one
> > portion to share between 2 or 3 occupying a table? Or is this
> > restricted to a certain class of eatery?
> >
> > Janet UK
> >
>
> Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving
> to have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be
> shared if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and
> the servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.

Yes, but two people, sharing their two desserts and two appetisers
with each other, is not a loss to the business.

Two people ordering one dish to share, means the business hasn't
sold two dishes.

Janet

On 8/12/2013 1:59 PM, Janet wrote:
> In article >, says...

>> Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving
>> to have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be
>> shared if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and
>> the servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.
>
> Yes, but two people, sharing their two desserts and two appetisers
> with each other, is not a loss to the business.
>
> Two people ordering one dish to share, means the business hasn't
> sold two dishes.

Very occasionally, I have seen a plate sharing charge of $1 or so on
the menu. Seems reasonable to me if you expect extra place settings to
be brought over.

nancy

On 12/08/2013 1:44 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:

> Yes, in most cases. Sometimes there is a restriction on certain
> specials, but that is rare. No sharing at "all you can eat" buffets,
> for instance.



????
Why would you not be able to share at an "all you can eat" buffer
...... if the parties involved are getting the buffet?

On 12/08/2013 1:59 PM, Janet wrote:

>> Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving
>> to have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be
>> shared if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and
>> the servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.
>
> Yes, but two people, sharing their two desserts and two appetisers
> with each other, is not a loss to the business.
>
> Two people ordering one dish to share, means the business hasn't
> sold two dishes.
>

They have sold one more than none.

The bakery cafe around the corner will gladly split a lunch sandwich,
which means double the garnish for them. If splitting the soup and
sandwich they will even bring two bowls of soup.

On 8/12/2013 3:43 PM, Dave Smith wrote:
> On 12/08/2013 1:44 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
>> Yes, in most cases. Sometimes there is a restriction on certain
>> specials, but that is rare. No sharing at "all you can eat" buffets,
>> for instance.
>
>
>
> ????
> Why would you not be able to share at an "all you can eat" buffer
> ..... if the parties involved are getting the buffet?
>

Of course if both are paying. But if I pay for the buffet and you just
get a coffee, then sharing is not allowed.

Dave Smith wrote:
> Why would you not be able to share at an "all you can eat" buffer

Cuz canucks like to eat roadkill family style.

Dave Smith wrote:
> If splitting the soup and sandwich they will even bring two bowls of soup.
>
One fer you to drown yer silly canuck self in.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 11 Aug 2013 21:58:33 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> Although they are somewhat unappealing to me on the big food level. Most
>> of
>> what is on the menu is what I would term as big food because they give
>> you
>> mammoth proportions of everything! So perhaps the prices themselves are
>> not
>> less than Red Robin, you do get a huge amount of food that you could
>> easily
>> split two or three ways if so inclined.
>
> We usually run into places like that when we're on vacation. We're in
> an unfamiliar place, traveling around - staying in a different motel
> almost every night (so no desire to take leftovers with us) and most
> likely will never make a return visit there. Portions are so huge
> that we would have split it had we known before hand how much they put
> on the plate. We can only look at all that food in amazement and say
> "no wonder Americans are fat".

Yeah. Sadly, I've seen a lot of places like that. If we do go into such a
place, I usually just try to get soup and salad if I can. But often even
the salad is huge. Lots of people are attracted to large portions. I'm
not. I prefer lots of options. To either be able to order side dishes or
smaller portions. We do have a few places here that offer many of the
choices in smaller portions.

Used to be a place here called The Great American Food and Beverage Company.
I have forgotten now which chain owned them. Literally everything they had
was beyond huge. We did like to go there because they had singing waiters.
We knew one of the waiters and he had a very nice voice. But... When we
went there, there was usually 4-6 of us. We would each order coffee and a
drink and one or two things to split. Like a donut or nachos. And even at
that, we couldn't finish it all. I don't think we ever went there for a
proper meal. We usually went late at night.

"Janet" > wrote in message
t...
> Is it perfectly acceptable in US restaurants, to order only one
> portion to share between 2 or 3 occupying a table? Or is this
> restricted to a certain class of eatery?

You can do that but some places will charge you extra for sharing.

"Hench" > wrote in message ...
> Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving to
> have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be shared
> if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and the
> servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.
>
> I've noticed in the United States that there are more places that
> emphasize large portions for value prices but that's the system they have.
> I rarely see portion sizes like that at value restaurants in Canada, even
> at the American chains that operate here.
>
> Then there's the walk up and help yourself "salad bar" at places...

When we first moved to Bothell, we made the mistake of trying a Mexican
place that never seemed to have any vehicles outside. The place closed
within days of us stopping there. The waiter kept emphasizing that they had
such large portions. And they did! But the food was tasteless. I started
with a dinner salad which he tried to talk me out of. Kept telling me that
it was just a plain salad. And that was what I wanted. Turned out to be
the standard American blend, probably from a bag. I don't remember anything
being wrong with that.

But the chips? Stale. The salsa? Weak and watery. And every single meal
that we ordered seemed to have no seasoning to it whatever. Rice that was
so pale that it was almost white. Runny beans. I think my dad most likely
had the Arroz Con Pollo because in those days that was his preferred meal.
We wound up leaving the food on our plates and then stopping at the Burger
Master where everything is always good!

They too suffer from the big food concept although they do offer kid's
meals. Angela and I used to order the Turkey Master which is like a grilled
cheese sandwich with turkey and bacon and probably tomato and onion.
Haven't had one in many years. Just remember that it was very good. Done
on sourdough. But it was so large that even when we split it, we still
couldn't finish it. Burger Master isn't a sit down place. At least this
one isn't. They did have some in the past with tables inside and even an
excellent salad bar. This is one of those true old timey places where you
drive up and eat in your car or take the food home. They are also known for
their milkshakes and pie, neither of which I have tried.

"Ed Pawlowski" > wrote in message
...
> Yes, in most cases. Sometimes there is a restriction on certain specials,
> but that is rare. No sharing at "all you can eat" buffets, for instance.

I had forgotten about that but... Some of the buffets here offer a "to go"
price. You get a large container and for a set price, you can fill the
container once. So if you got that, you could split it. But most likely
you'd be doing that at home.

"Dave Smith" > wrote in message
...
> On 12/08/2013 1:44 PM, Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>
>> Yes, in most cases. Sometimes there is a restriction on certain
>> specials, but that is rare. No sharing at "all you can eat" buffets,
>> for instance.
>
>
>
> ????
> Why would you not be able to share at an "all you can eat" buffer .....
> if the parties involved are getting the buffet?

I did see this on that Extreme Cheapskate show. Guy paid for something like
4 plates but there were really something like 12 of them dining. He told
everyone to sit down and he'd bring the food. He piled the plates high with
things like fried chicken. It all looked like slop when he was through.
The wife was mortified! She wound up going back and paying for everyone but
still wasn't happy because this had been some sort of special occasion. All
of the other people had dressed up nicely and she thought he was taking her
to a fancy place for dinner.

I can remember going to the Royal Fork as a child and watching people bring
in large luggage type bags with plastic containers in them. They'd go off
with their plate to a side room and sneakily fill the containers to take
home. That is not allowed with the exception of a few places that now offer
a "To go" box that you are allowed to fill once and only once.

All you can eat places have a set fee. Somewhere between $12 and $20 for an
adult, at least in this area. And that price doesn't necessarily include a
drink any more. They will give you water. But if you want something else,
you might have to pay separately. You are allowed to go back as many times
as you want for that price. But they will not allow you to pay the $12 and
then have 3 people eat from that same plate. Why should they? Otherwise
they would get $36 for the three people. Now... If everyone at the table
has paid for their plate, then certainly they can share. We often do. For
example, I might get a small plate of fries or Jo Joes and we'll all eat
from that plate. But we have a receipt to show that we've all paid.

On 8/12/2013 1:59 PM, Janet wrote:

>>
>> Here in Canuckistan it's pretty normal when receiving a desert serving
>> to have two forks/spoons provided, as it's expected the desert will be
>> shared if it's a couple. Many times appetizers are shared as well and
>> the servers explain the appetizer choices with sharing kept in mind.
>
> Yes, but two people, sharing their two desserts and two appetisers
> with each other, is not a loss to the business.
>
> Two people ordering one dish to share, means the business hasn't
> sold two dishes.
>
> Janet
>


What I mean is one desert is served for two people, and one appetizer is
served for two people.

It probably speaks to how profitable those servings are.

John Smith > wrote in news:kubhbg$jbg$4@dont-
email.me:

> One fer you to drown yer silly canuck self in.

You have a aerious problem. I suggest you seek professional help.

--

Traditions are group efforts to keep the unexpected
from happening.

-- Barbara Tober

Michel Boucher wrote:
> John Smith > wrote in news:kubhbg$jbg$4@dont-
> email.me:
>
>> One fer you to drown yer silly canuck self in.
>
> You have a aerious problem. I suggest you seek professional help.
>
But yer a canuck too, right????