Is this done in Northern Cyprus or is it "not done"..?

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:10

When people get old(er) some of them don't eat as much as they used to do. My wife and I regularly find out that we can't finish the meal we ordered. Half of it in some restaurants would have been enough for us.

So. Would it be reasonable to order one meal, two plates and two forks/knives (and pay a little extra for that service)?

Or is this "not done" in Northern Cyprus?

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:13

Must admit Ive seen people order one dessert and 2 spoons quite often, and done it myself - but so far have never done it for a main meal. Can you ask for a childs portion? some places do smaller plates for children.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:18

If you want an honest answer that's the most tight arse thing i have ever heard, if i was a restaurant owner i would tell you were to go. But saying that when i was living in the roc me and my ex would buy a takeaway from the indian, rice and curry and the portions were so big we discussed just buying one meal and sharing, but that's eating at home, i think in a restaurant that is tight rude and would give ex pats an even worse name.

just my opinion though.

yrret


Joined: 17/08/2010
Posts: 761

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:25

Unlike Steve, I maybe have a little different business sense and understand that half of something is better than all of nothing, so I would say if you were up front on entering the restaurant, and told them you weren't too hungry, so could you do what you suggest, then they have the option to say no (assuming they are packed out of the doors and can turn it away) or accept the business.

We often do it with the kids as they can rarely eat a full meal each.



Let's hope Steve carries on doing his own 'tight arse' stuff in the comfort of his own home, and not in public.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:28

Buffavento restaurant gives you enough to feed 6 when you order for two, we asked for a small portion each of the main dish, but it still came out huge and was wasted...



I did chat to the manager on duty about how the potions were just to great for the average diner, he said the Turkish cliental would say this was a normal meal!



Dont think its quite the 'ticket' to ask for an extra knife/fork and plate! they would think you didn't have enough money...

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:32

Answer to steve - most restaurant owners here are very obliging, and am sure would be agreeable to help if asked nicely! One here, knows I dont eat potatoes etc, so automatically just gives me a salad with his fish now - no problems - and doesnt look at me with an odd look when I take off the batter - he said he couldnt cook it without!!!!

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:38

We very often share a sweet and never has it been an issue wherever we have eaten.

I would just ask for a smaller portions on the main course.

Allan


Joined: 28/12/2010
Posts: 40

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:41

Dutch



We do it in the UK and the restaurant owner knows we do it not to scrimp on cost merely appetite, we generally do this is in our regular curry house as my wife does not eat much. I think some restaurant owners / managers may not find this acceptable but some will, so the best thing is to quietly speak to the manager as you go in (or telephone prior to your visit). So to msg 3, not "tight arse" as long as you get have a starter, drinks and so on. And of the course the restaurant are happy with your regular custom and we as the customer are happy. What more could you ask for?

Ballyboffin


Joined: 25/08/2007
Posts: 903

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:42

I have witnessed people ordering half portions in the Courtyard and Mo must be used to it because he didn't bat an eyelid. Also saw a group of people who ordered bhagees and chips to share in Rafters on a busy Sunday afternoon, again served without any problem.



A lot of restaurants in the UK are offering small and large portions of main meals or starters served with chips. I have gone for this option myself and find it better than leaving a large ammount of food and being embaressed when the waiter asks if it wasn't to my satisfaction.



I think that most restaurants would be happy to do it, rather than not have customers.

davedee



Joined: 01/12/2008
Posts: 479

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:50

Having several restaurants in the past in the u.k, never have I been asked to have a main course shared, however I have had many customers come as early diners and have maybe 3 starters to share between two! However as we are all here to earn a reasonable living I would not have been happy to accommodate such customers on a busy Saturday night!!



And Dizzy beware of those potions!



And yes Pipie many asked for smaller portions.

dizzycows


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 2736

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:53

sorry meant portions ... davedee lol...

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:56

Sorry i must of miss read this , i thought he was saying please can i have a set 1 for myself and and empty plate and cutlery for the wife, so i can give her half the food. Eating out is not just filling the gap like what you do at home, soon as you set a precedent that's it everyone will be doing it, and that is not good business. But of course if you can have the front to do this and the restaurant owners let you, no skin of my noise, but not something i would do. Good luck with it.

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:56

What about taking or asking for a doggy bag !!!i.e. to take home and feed your dogs,or have it youselves next day



Mike

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 12:58

I've seen in many restaurants the local (British) solution: order a full meal and have 1/3 or even 1/2 of it put in a "doggy bag" (does the dog ever see it or..?).

We had never seen that custom in Holland, but I must say: smart! After reading the replies in this thread we may adopt it...

westender


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 328

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 13:00

When we go to Pasta Mania I generally order the lasagne. It's so big I can only eat half but they very obligingly put the other piece into a container which I take home & have for lunch the next day.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 13:03

There you go the restaurant owner agrees with me.

frankedad


Joined: 21/11/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 13:11

i have always had a doggie bag for my curries and such like..tastes better for breakfast .. and bones for my dogs. never been refused that..but if refused i would have to have a growl at someone .

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 13:14

You have got that right, left over curry for breakfast, lovely.

blade


Joined: 19/06/2010
Posts: 1286

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 14:25

One meal , two plates is not done.

But as i know you have dogs, what is acceptable is to ask for a doggie bag to take the left overs home for the dog in. My Cypriot friends do it all the time.

poochielover


Joined: 23/05/2009
Posts: 215

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 14:47

Try going for a Tapas night at JK's, there you get individual dishes of prawns, spare ribs, noodles etc..That way, you can order as little or as much as you like for 3-4 tl per portion each, a wide choice on the menu and very nicely cooked.

Clarissa2


Joined: 12/06/2009
Posts: 1476

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 15:16

Re: Msg 1,

I don't see why a customer in TRNC cannot expect (like in the rest of the normal world) to order a small portion, and to expect to pay less for it.

In the US they are called small portions, in Canada - pensioner's portions, on the continent - children's or diet portions.

Overloading plates with food is a bad manner, it also encourages gluttony.

As for doggy bags, I cannot think of anything more repulsive, embarrassing and in bad taste. These are restaurants after all - not charity soup kitchens or old folk's nursing homes. Besides, dogs are not pigs, they should be fed dog's food, not leftovers.

So, it is time to be "a done thing" to introduce small portions on the menus in local restaurants.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 15:42

This is really about trying to turn two nights a week out into four. If its to much just leave it,its best to much than to little on your plate, its okay for two children to share an adult meal, but two adults in a restaurant that's a little strange. Clarissa2 that is complete rubbish you don't do that in the uk at all, of course some places do childrens meals, but you cant go into a restaurant and say i'm hard up this week can i have half a steak and 3 peas please, my ex girlfriend was a small eater but at least a good portion was there if she wanted it, you cant say just do her half of portion for half the price mate can you. I have never heard anything like it in my life, if you cant afford it don't eat out, if its to much food just eat what you can, no one is offended, I'll try that one down my local curry house this weekend, i'll say you know your curry and rice which is £5.00 can i have a small one for £2.50, and i know what they will say piss of to the ymca you pikey.

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 15:51

I agree that it would not be the done thing on a busy evening and also I think it depends on the way restaurants serve their food. If they serve salad/chips separately I do not see why you could not say you wish to share say the main course. This is something my friends and I have done at lunchtime in Silver Rocks as they serve such huge portions. They absolutely do not have a problem with it and are very accommodating.

Clarissa, on numerous occasions I have been out for a meal (mainly Sunday lunchtime) with a big table of Cypriots and they always shovel everything left over (and I mean everything) into supermarket carrier-bags to take home to their dogs!

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 16:02

Just did a burger king drive through, those burgers are so big i paid for half of one instead saved me 1.20, now i can do the same tomorrow. swapping a bit of food is fine but trying to skimp on paying for a whole meal is as tight as it gets. In a pub if your buying lots of drinks sharing chips and bits is not a problem your right.

deputydawg


Joined: 30/03/2010
Posts: 1727

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 18:24

It do not think is is rude or a matter of being tight fisted if the request is made politely. Sometimes starters, which are enjoyable, but extremely generous portions, are too much with a large main dish to follow and intent to do that justice also. If with another couple who have only average appetites we often share 2 starters between us and explain to the waiter that the size of the starters are generous. We have never encountered any problems with this and if the food and service is good we always tip a minimum of 10%.

cinders


Joined: 08/10/2011
Posts: 61

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 18:29

Dutch, you really are the most stupid person in the TRNC, just ask for a small portion or is your brain matter finally failing after all the alcohol you consume.

suehowlittle


Joined: 31/10/2010
Posts: 1202

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 18:34

Gosh, what a mixed bag of postings. Bet Msg 1 wished he had never asked! I certainly did not think he deserved to be insulted to that degree. He was merely asking for opinions not javelins in the chest!



When I go out for a meal I am mortified if the portions are huge. I have to do without a starter to enable me to tackle the main course when in truth I would rather just have a starter and then a coffee. I also think that the portions are enormous and I absolutely hate waste. Half the world is dying of hunger and I would rather pay less also for a smaller meal and leave nothing on the plate.



I honestly prefer the buffet option where I can just help myself to exactly what I can eat.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 18:52

I thank the decent English speaking people in this thread for writing down their opinion. Interesting. The other posts are where they belong. The bin.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 18:52

who's insulted him, i think hes one of the members who does the most for this forum. But the truth is and its obvious its not about how big meals are its about seeing if they can pull of two meals for the price of one. So the plan he has is very good, you go to a restaurant that does big portions then divide it in two and get a night out for the price of one, he wants to know if he can get away with it, and why not. But i think he will be very lucky if he does. He is far from stupid he knows what hes trying to pull off, good luck to him if he does it, but i think hes going to need it.

Rottolover



Joined: 21/06/2009
Posts: 519

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 19:14

Clarissa, what is clearly "repulsive, embarrassing and in bad taste" to you is not to millions of others around the world. In China, for instance, the waiters box every bit of the leftovers and parcel it up neatly without even being asked. In the Middle East it is a common occurrence, although the Saudis tend to leave most of their meals behind...



But to elevate your nose by ten or more degrees when spying someone at another table bagging leftovers is in my opinion simple snobbery, which, again in my opinion, has never been much of an argument.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 19:17

Unfortunately many Brits are more concerned with "value for money" (adequate portions)rather than the quality of the food...

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 19:23

Go back to that place you went last night

they did not give you too much

suehowlittle


Joined: 31/10/2010
Posts: 1202

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 19:23

I never thought of that I could be considered "replusive, embarrassing and in bad taste" when I asked for 75% of my pizza to be boxed up!



How silly of me not to consider that I might be guilty of such offensive behaviour.



And how curious that you would spend your evening watching us "repulsive" diners doing it!



What a sad world.

Rottolover



Joined: 21/06/2009
Posts: 519

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 19:37

It's not really a sad world, shl, it just contains a few too many sad and stupid people.

rowlo



Joined: 12/10/2008
Posts: 4796

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 20:02

hey , you paid for it , if you can't eat it all , why not take it home , think of it like this , you go out for a lovely meal , and also go home with a take away , nothing wrong with that .

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 20:09

Depends who snobby you are.

dippersgirl



Joined: 04/05/2010
Posts: 795

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 22:43

Well, it's certainly done in Dipkarpaz, I also hater waste, but then some of the people here probably think, when you live in the back of beyond anything is likely

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
12/12/2011 23:53

I dont see why one should be forced to eat more than one wants or to waste good food, because one has a small appetite and the portions are large. I occasionally share a main course with a friend or ask for a "doggy bag" (sometimes the dogs even get it - depends on whether it is suitable for them) and if on my own only ask for a starter and a sweet. But I only do it in resteraunts that I frequent and wher the owners know they will get repeat custom and I do not intend it as an insult. I admit I would be embarrassed to do it in a new place.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 00:46

No one forces anyone, no one cares if a bit is left over. If your embarrassed with a new place it says it all, so what do you do go to the same place and buy two meals until you have the confidence to share one. Its okay to share some chips and bits and bobs, but to divide a meal to save money and then blame it on the concern of wasted food is funny.

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 00:51

I have lost count of complaints on here saying

"I left hungry"

so really damned if you do , damned if you don't!

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 01:30

Now I believe what the owner of a popular "fish & chips" place said, when I complained about the size of fish being considerably smaller than my visit the previous week. His response was "Sorry gardaş, but the English people eating here have been complaining about the portions being too big - so I am now frying them smaller".

Now me and my family don't go there anymore and he has lost a regular customer, becuse some IDIOT decides after few beers to compliment the owner by stating "you are serving really big portions". What the hell? If you have small apetite or a small stomach to go with your size, then eat what you can and do not worry about the 20 grams of fısh that you may leave behind! You would be making quite a few local cats very happy... As a non-drinker, what if I were to start complaining he is selling the beer really cheap? BEHAVE YOURSELVES!

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 05:07

I feel the abundance of wasted food it is quite obscene with so much hunger in the world , a well known Bogaz Restaurant serves huge portions , i have asked on several occasions for smaller portions of fish to no avail , but i do ask for a bag and take it back for the dogs on our site . But on the whole if we are not that hungry , and we know the portion sizes of the food served , we are able to request 1 meal and share it in quite a few establishments .

Simbas

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 07:12

There is nothing wrong with ordering one meal and two plates. I have heard someone refused a child's portion, when asked why, the answer 'you are not a child.'



In one of the restaurant chains in the USA there are seniors meals. But freqently I have seen an older couple order one meal and two plates and no one batted an eyelid. I also think the ordering of a coffee and it being continually filed during the meal is one of the US's better ideas.



As for being a tight arse, why pay for food you cannot eat. You could always put the money saved in the charity box if you feel that way.



My friend in the US, never finishes her meal (same age as me) and always takes what is left home for her lunch the next day. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion.



I certainly cannot eat as much now and I, like a lot of people do have a fixed income, so I will not throw money or foood away.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 10:35

I find it disappointing that after asking a serious question (with reasons: msg 1) some C44 members found it necessary to write accusations of being a "tight ... etc". Well, I think that people living outside the TRNC are not exactly the experts to answer my question about behaviour in TRNC. Just for the record.

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 12:31

Look at the ages on their profiles, maybe that is why DC. To be fair, when I was young (oh so far away) I probably thought the same way.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 12:54

It does not matter if its in cyprus uk or holland its not right and no decent restaurant will allow it. If your really that fussy then ask for a little bit less, and they should not charge any less. The man who said he had three restaurants is not going to be wrong is he. Hans why don't you man up and admit your just trying to see if its a done thing to divide one meal into two to save money, sharing a plate of food in a spit and saw dust venue is one thing but going to a proper restaurant with silver service and saying i'll have the beef stew and my mrs will have an empty plate please is another, then trying to move some of the meal on to the empty plate without making a mess. Hans if it was not about you trying to get two for the price of one, you would not of even started this thread, you would just asked the chef to put slightly less on the plate, simple as that. Asking for another plate is a big difference to sharing a plate of chicken nuggets when watching the football.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 13:18

Pollymarples



Whats age got to do with it, read thread 1 it is what it is. It makes no difference if a bit of food is left over, its not going to make any difference to people starving in some countries. Restaurants will always try and fill you up, if they put to little on your plate you will only complain and not come back, no one does not go back because there was to much on the plate. What was really meant in message 1 is very obvious to anyone with half a brain, and i agree if your that worried about the last sausage left on your plate, put it in a doggy bag and take it home, and if your really concerned about people starving give money to charity, don't make up crap to try and justify what you are suggesting or doing, just admit it. I would love to see the look on a restaurant owners face if a couple asked for the special and an empty plate, surely people have not got that much front, they would get there marching orders straight away in any half decent establishment.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 13:41

You know Steve you really are a charmer , i don't know why you bother with us half brainers

Simbas

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 13:50

Well simbas i'm not trying to score brownie points, i'm just being honest and giving you all just what you want.



Anyway apparently they are having a concert in ethiopia to raise money for the ex pats of the trnc.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 14:05

Forgive me Steve , But is that supposed to be funny ?

Simbas

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 14:15

Simbas



I did and that's all that matters.

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 16:14

Given the global spread of American styles of food and its consumption, I am sure most cafes and restaurants would be happy to offer the one meal/two plate idea, doggybags or small (kids/seniors) portions for whoever wants them. After all, they don't mind if you are sweaty and in a vest and shorts or other such unseemly attire...but that was another thread on here last year wasn't it?

Lundunsip


Joined: 03/02/2009
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 16:52

If you order 1 meal for 2 people, expect a high 'spit to food' ratio from the chef and waiters! ;)

LooseBoots



Joined: 08/02/2009
Posts: 1258

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 16:54

I agree there is no need for abuse when asking a question.



When we went to the USA a steak restaurant in Florida expected you to have a doggy bag or polystyrene box to take the excess away. So why not here as some places give huge portions.

Lundunsip


Joined: 03/02/2009
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 16:59

If you get too much food in a restaurant in North Cyprus, it's 100% acceptable to ask the waiter for a 'packet' (doggy bag) for the leftovers.



You'll look look a bit of plum if you ask for a packet in the Colony Hotel restaurant, but in most places it's hunky dory.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 17:10

53



spot on, that is what you could expect.

britvic



Joined: 05/09/2008
Posts: 3039

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 17:15

I am a 'light' eater Mr britvic is not so, I ask for a starter as a main course. No problem

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 17:19

steve,sewell. If you bother to open your eyes before your mouth, you will see from DC's thread, the whole point was that older people (me) eat a lot less than younger people (you).



Now you may think it very clever to try to put down people who do not willingly throw their money around buying food they know they cannot eat but the question was asked by DC whether it is acceptable to order one meal for two people and in my opinion, it is., and frankly if I wanted to order one meal between three people then I would.



Now stick to the thread instead of trying to be clever because you are not very good at it.

blade


Joined: 19/06/2010
Posts: 1286

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 19:14

Here we would always take any leftovers home for our dogs, as do my Cypriot friends. If my dogs have just had a big meal then i will take it for my Cypriot friends dogs.



After all there is only a small number of restaurants where you are welcome to sit outside with your dog.

In Germany as i remember dogs were always allowed inside restaurants, in the UK we take the dog to the pub or cafe and sit outside in the summer. So many of us have dogs but so few places cater for us. I would love to take my girls with me for a meal when the weather is good.

Sadly they have to have a takeaway.

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 19:26

Blade, you are right, not only are dogs allowed in restaurants in Germany, but also in food shops, as in France,

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 19:38

pollymarples



Your entitled to your opinion. My opinion is, in most restaurants it would not be allowed and rightly so. Just like the restaurant owner said. So lets agree to disagree.

ROBIN HOOD


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 238

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 19:38

Work on the principle if you're paying for it you can do what you like with it. If they give you enough salad to feed 20 goats. Either take it home put your fag ends in it. It's yours, paid for, I don't even have a dog. I just ask if I can take the rest home for my wife.

steve.sewell


Joined: 07/11/2011
Posts: 277

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 19:51

I would like to apologise to the op for calling him tight, i'm not 100% that this is the case so sorry hans.

However i stand by the fact that in most decent restaurants it is not right or normal to order a meal and an empty plate for two to share.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
13/12/2011 20:06

That is very noble of you Steve

Simbas

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
14/12/2011 00:41

What a lot of false snobbery! The assumption that is you dont want to be overfaced witha plate full of more f ood that you can eat you are being mean and vulgar! A really first class resteraunt which wants to please its customers and get a reptation for good food and service, and encourage a regular and respectable cientelle will understand the importance of presentation - and that someone who understands good food does not want to spoil his appetite by filling up too much on one course - and will be happy to allow two people to share one course. I have known resteraunts that were happy to provide very small taster courses for people who were not sure if a particular dish might, for instance , be too rich for them. They realise that if people leave feeling they have had a "pleasant sufficiency" are more likley to return than those who are bloated by eating too much- just to prove they can afford it - or vaguely dissatisfied because they have had to leave food uneaten.

BizziLizzi


Joined: 02/08/2011
Posts: 855

Message Posted:
14/12/2011 00:53

They will also probably spend more money on puddings, coffees and liquers!



Its the cheaper establishments who rely on pre-prepared , sometimes pre-cooked food, and have too few and overworked staff who cannot cater for the discerning diner!



A good chef wants people to enjoy his food - if that means taking it in small portions that is fine.



Oh and surely if you are in a group, that is the joy of mezze - the idea is you can eat as much or as little as you want and share with your friends.

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
14/12/2011 08:41

steve.sewell, Always happy to agree to disagree with a gentleman, especially one big enough to apologise to DC as you did.



It may not be normal here steve. In the US it is not only normal but very common amongst seniors.



To avoid having food spat on, I would order the meal, then when it is served, ask for the second plate.



I have been called cheapskate very often for even buying here, so being called one for ordering only what I want, I can live with.

Lundunsip


Joined: 03/02/2009
Posts: 38

Message Posted:
15/12/2011 11:37

When I get on a dolmus, I get my wife to sit on my lap and my daughter to sit on her lap and we just pay for 1 person. It's not the money, it just means that we only have to take up one seat.



I'm going to try the same thing when we fly to the UK next year

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
15/12/2011 12:22

Lundunsip - what a good idea.



Let us know how you get on with that

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
15/12/2011 12:55

When we visit Tervetuloa Hotel I usually order their delicious Borek with Yoghurt sauce, the portions are very large so when I order I ask for just two Borek, there is never a problem with that and it saves extra being cooked and wasted.

I would ask at any restaurant for a small portion but am not sure I would feel comfortable asking for an extra plate to share a main course, perhaps share a dessert but other than that I'm not too sure it would be acceptable.

Jeannie


Joined: 04/08/2009
Posts: 3283

Message Posted:
15/12/2011 13:04

If we are going to a restaurant where I know they serve large portions (most of them) I often have a starter rather than a main course. I also think it's quite acceptable to share a dessert



I dont like to see food wasted (not that we get a lot of that, with Paul )

kaiserphil


Joined: 14/12/2008
Posts: 1096

Message Posted:
15/12/2011 13:21

We often share a dessert Jeannie.

I can't believe how much controversy there is above over something so simple. Where we live, meals are usually large, some ridiculously so.

It is the norm for people to take food home, not for 'doggie', but for themselves.

Why anyone should find that offensive I can't think.

Honeybee


Joined: 09/09/2011
Posts: 39

Message Posted:
15/12/2011 13:48

To get round this i often order the starter version, i have never had a problem with this, as long as you make it clear you want it brought out with everyone elses main.

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
19/12/2011 21:40

Well I have recently asked for 1 meal & 2 plates & this was no problem whatsoever. This is a restaurant that we use a lot. The portions that are served in one of my favourite restaurants are enormous for some dishes like pasta & pizza. Curry is another area with usually far too much rice.

Since nowadays so many people are obese (myself included) I was interested to hear that they are now serving smaller portion Pensioners meals in the USA. As Pollymarples so rightly says, most people as they get older have smaller appetites & do not burn up so much energy & to be served big meals is off putting. Maybe Steve.sewell will one day remember this.

Often TCs ask for the spare food to be 'paket' & I'm sure they eat the remaining food later or the next day, rather than give it to the dog.

The fact that this would not happen in the UK. says reams about the stuffiness of UK. restaurants.

I am not talking about Michelin starred establishments here btw.

Thank goodness eating out here is

scruff


Joined: 15/07/2008
Posts: 1070

Message Posted:
19/12/2011 21:41

ctd.

more relaxed & enjoyable.

MaB76


Joined: 29/12/2010
Posts: 69

Message Posted:
20/12/2011 11:21

DutchCrusader: We have all kınds of requests at Antıque Restaurant, Esentepe and havıng 1 meal dıvıded onto 2 plates ıs not unusual. Also, havıng 2 starters ıs quıte popular, 1 as a starter & 1 served wıth the maıns. Our portıons are known to be quıte large, but nothıng ever goes to waste, what the customers can't eat the sheperd dog up the road can