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how do you handle this??? [Moved from New Jersey]

carolinadawg — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:15:56 GMT

And I was agreeing with you, and buttressing your point. :-)

I'm being gifted expired food.

HillJ — Wed, 16 May 2012 11:41:26 GMT

Maybe the fact that the OP is happily eating and accepting these food gifts is why the boss keeps offering them?

Garbage disposal uses

azDesertGal — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:45:03 GMT

Can't do that as it is required to be in a closed up plastic garbage bag.

Favorite Paper Towel?

shaebones — Wed, 16 May 2012 06:27:53 GMT

Without question, its gotta be Viva!

Refills To Go at Sit Down Restaurants

DGSullivan — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:36:50 GMT

We have one customer who will come in for a carry-out over her lunch period, purchase an iced-tea...and ask for "her free refill too". Yes we "cheerfully" oblige her and her family is in the Pub sometimes three times a week so we're ahead, but it does make me bite my tongue at times.

How far are you willing to drive for a good restaurant?

westsidegal — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:16:24 GMT

depends if we're talking about stop and go city/freeway rush hour driving, or a lovely drive along the coast

Seperate Checks?

westsidegal — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:13:14 GMT

not a direct answer to your question, but, in separate check situations i do NOT necessarily expect the restaurant to time-coordinate the dishes as i do when we are all on the same check.

Say what?? Cooking comments that baffle you

freia — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:39:32 GMT

My friend can't bear any pink in her steak or roast. She lives in Italy, and came for a visit last year. Took her to The Keg Steakhouse. When we arrived, she became extremely flustered and embarrassed. I asked her why she seemed upset, and she said "I don't want pink in my steak, but I'm afraid that I'll cause a fuss because this is a steak place". I said "HEY get what you like! Who cares? If you want super well done, heck, ENJOY. They will make to order with a smiling happy face!". She was so relieved, ordered it super well done, Chicago style (up here that means super well done with a nice char on the outside) and it was done exactly as she liked and noone batted an eye. In Florence where she lives, Bistecca Fiorentina is a "national treasure" and it MUST be served rare, rare, rare. So she never eats it because it causes a fuss when she has it done to her liking. So sad, IMHO. Smartie, enjoy your steak however you like it!!!! :)

How much do you tip coat check attendants at restaurants?

Bill Hunt — Wed, 16 May 2012 02:25:25 GMT

Interesting. I see it all over the world, and especially when the weather turns a bit bad. Guess that it is just different venues? Hunt

How Should Recipes be Written?

sandylc — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:58:52 GMT

Oooh, what if you're cooking drunk? You might get an odd dish.....

What would Emily Post do? [moved from New Orleans]

akq — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:46:26 GMT

Even if the clothing interrupts your dinner and insults 50% of the clientele? :) What if the clothing was graphic? Or revealing? Or not suitable for family viewing? Anyway, by focusing on an analogy you're missing the forest for the trees... Imo, the restaurant is somewhat like someone's house - if I am having dinner in a person's home and another guest's behavior upsets me (and 50% of the other guests), I might speak to the host and express my discomfort. But if the host is unwilling to intervene, it's not my place to do so as the host (or owner at the restaurant) has made a choice as to what behavior she or he deems acceptable in his or her domain. It is then my choice to deal with the hosts/owner's choice or leave.

Calorie listings at chains

usmc5855 — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:32:48 GMT

I completely agree Kathleen. Studies show that: 50% of people do not care and are not going to be swayed in any meaningful way. They might make a 300 calorie less decision but will still eat 3 baskets of bread with butter. 45% of people (who need to make such decisions ie diabetic or other health concerns) already know that the Cheese fries with bacon and ranch probably have more calories then the Bruschetta. 5% of people who may benefit- will not carry anything over to the rest of the meal, or rest of what they eat that day. People will order orange juice for their kids as it is "healthier" then Coke, yet the calories/sugar are the same and the nutrition is nothing additional of consequence. Lets not forget, their is nutrition information on most of what you buy at the grocery store.

HELP -- My fingers are throbbing from cutting jalapenos!

Kathleen M — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:05:47 GMT

I'm surprised no one has mentioned washing with baking soda. That's the only thing that works for me.

Glass jars - fess up!

Jackie007 — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:13:26 GMT

I reuse glass jars. I also can't recycle them here.

Can't Get Enough Splenda

Helene Goldberg — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:05:18 GMT

Sugar is good.

How are meals served in your home?

Bill Hunt — Tue, 15 May 2012 02:01:50 GMT

Wow, that depends so greatly on so many factors, that it would take a month to cite them all. In general terms, we have about four items per meal, and their serving depends on what they are. Other times, we host meals, where we might well have 10 courses, including cheese and dessert. No, I cannot do it - it just depends. Hunt

A solution for too noisy?

Bill Hunt — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:57:16 GMT

It seems that there are many diners, who do NOT wish to hear anything BUT the music and noise in a restaurant. The gravitate to such establishments, and many designers work to create that "lively vibe," but I am not likely to be dining there. I am one of those few diners, who actually does enjoy hearing my guests speak. Old-school, I guess? Guess that they are off of my list, but then I am only in San Francisco about 20 times per year, and seldom venture to Berkeley. I will take Campton Place instead.. Hunt

Dinner party activities?

Isolda — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:24:12 GMT

As much as I hate to say this, I agree with you. I've been to several parties where teens were present and the alcohol was served only to the adults who wanted it. I don't believe in pushing alcohol on anyone--I always take no as the final answer whenever I offer it--but there's a reason why the cocktail party was invented. Even one glass of wine or whatever could help these mutual strangers loosen up enough to start a conversation without the aid of embarrassing parlor games. I would far rather say no to booze I do not want than have to play a game at a party with no gracious way out. OP: Please reconsider for the sake of the geeks and introverts in your group. If you must play a game, make it something like the dictionary game, which doesn't involve role-play or humiliation.

Asking people to join you for dinner

huiray — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:14:29 GMT

Indeed. I would seriously look for another financial advisor. Talk to the coordinator for the investment firm you are dealing with, if there is such a person, or the equivalent. You really need to change advisors. If the firm you are dealing with is any good you should be able to do so.

How many fellow Chowhounders are or have been in the biz?

UTgal — Mon, 14 May 2012 20:02:57 GMT

Dishwasher, food server at a summer camp, waitress at a sit down restaurant, food processing in a college's central food processing unit (I made something like 200 sandwiches every day & wrapped them), "salad bar captain" (again, college) then fry cook in the dorm cafeteria. Ewww, smelly!

Kitchen remodel -- which comes first, granite or cabinets?

CindyJ — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:38:45 GMT

Great insights and helpful advice, meatn3. Thanks!!!

Shipping Wine to Philly

centralpadiner — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:54:53 GMT

When we travelled to Italy, we had a half case delivered home and there was no problem with it at all. We lived in Lititz, PA at the time.

When do ethics come to play in your dining decision?

Bill Hunt — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:22:51 GMT

Wow, I encounter too much of that, at least from a certain segment of our society. Luckily, I can just choose to not spend much time with such folk, though not always. Hunt

Foods that "perfume the juices"

nycbikerbrat — Mon, 14 May 2012 04:50:08 GMT

I heard somewhere that eating seafood creates a distinct "fishy" scent where normally you would not have any such issues. Therefore, if receiving oral pleasure appears to be on the night's menu, I would recommend that seafood -- is not !! LOL!

Things kids think are "normal" these days...

foiegras — Sun, 13 May 2012 15:51:20 GMT

More like half a ladder, I'd say ... isn't it sad to think of all that growth and learning happening with such sad fuel? (Don't get me started on dog food ...)

Ice machine refills

thirtyeyes — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:53:55 GMT

Not always. Ask. Some are individual leasee businesses others are owned by the airport authority.

Favorite Seinfeld food moments

redroses — Sat, 12 May 2012 05:27:39 GMT

what about the junior mint in the operating room? they're very refreshing!

Bringing Samples To An Interview--Genius or Idiocy???

Fowler — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:49:36 GMT

I have been following this thread for a few weeks because you are not alone. What is the name of the this place you mention?

When they get your takeout order wrong yet again...

JenJeninCT — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:41:17 GMT

If it is a place you really like, call and have a friendly discussion about it with the manager- how do they know there's a problem (or what the problem is) if you either: a) keep ordering, expecting the law of averages to work in your favor; or b) stop ordering? Along with other customers experiencing similar frustration, also without communication, pretty soon, the place you really like is out of business. Most managers would appreciate the honesty, and if they don't (or the problems aren't fixed once brought to their attention), it's their loss when you take your business elsewhere.

What do you wipe your counters with?

taos — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:13:35 GMT

I use a bar mop with very hot water or sometimes white vinegar. If it's a big cleaning job I may use paper towels and Simple Green spray. I wash the dirty bar mops frequently using hot water, detergent and oxy-clearn.

At what age should you let a child handle a kitchen knife to help with food prep? [moved from Home Cooking]]

latindancer — Thu, 10 May 2012 22:01:13 GMT

< think there are probably a lot more factors than that in why more kids are overweight now than in decades past> American children have always fallen behind in physical fitness compared to children from other countries....Dwight Eisenhower in the '50's found statistics rather appalling, actually, when the children of this country were compared to European children. Federal government mandates were begun to try and rectify the problem.... Physical inactivity is only one of many hundreds of reasons why it is still prevalent, actually epidemic. There is never going to be another era that I remember where children had to learn basics like I did....there'd be a major public outcry. Parents of these little malnourished, overweight boys/girls wouldn't like them being overworked in a gym or being seen in a shower by their peers.

Is not tipping illegal?

silvergirl — Thu, 10 May 2012 01:23:42 GMT

Just because they put it in writing, it's true? I think not. Think gravel trucks that have a "not responsible for broken windshield" or any establishment that displays a "not responsible for accidents". Both in fact are responsible. I guess they just think maybe you're dumb enough to believe them and not sue if they cause you harm.

How to make Fake Display Mochi?

dude102 — Thu, 10 May 2012 00:58:13 GMT

How do you make display mochi that is based off a real mochi? I want to preserve an ice cream mochi so that it wont spoil or change color. How is this done? Do I need some kind of wax?

What do you expect to come with an entree?

danna — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:41:42 GMT

good luck! I love that place. Once they handed me an eggplant from their garden on the way out the door. I stuffed it my suitcase for the flight home!

Dissapointing Dinner at Friends House

FoodExpression — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:12:42 GMT

I agree with you that expectations should not be attached to an invitation or favor...and yes pizza and a bottle of wine would be sufficient effort only in that it is an EFFORT. That is all i am expecting or wishing. That others acknowledge that friendship is appreciated. KATY1 said it well that some people dont need to reciprocate with food but if they show effort in other ways, ie manual labor or how about even a phone call to see how things are going, it is a sufficient display of appreciation. We have a friend that never invites us over for dinner but came to help me move. That is atrue friend that can make efforts in other ways. Maybe its true that if no effort exists then there is nothing there at all. Just because I pull out the stops whenever I cook doesnt mean that I expect the same in return. Its just mutual respect for a friendship that would cause an effort in return. We have one group of friends that comes over for dinner and when we go to their house they may not pull out all of the stops with food but they do prepare grilled chicken and boiled rice and its fine...We appreciate it because it is an effort. So that is all we are looking for is respect for the friendship.

What can you bring into Canada?

fishnetstars — Wed, 09 May 2012 02:54:59 GMT

Thank you!

Funniest thing you seen in a restaurant?

Jerzeegirl — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:45:47 GMT

We were driving down to Florida about 15 or so years ago & had stopped at JR's just to stretch our legs. We went to the Denny's that was right next to their parking lot & boyfriend ordered the Split Pea Soup, but asked for croutons for his soup instead of crackers. The waitress looked at him & said "you can put croutons in split pea soup? I thought you could only put them on salads. I've never heard of that." She then put our order in & ran off to tell the other waitresses what she had just learned.

Funniest Thing a Server Said to You

AmyH — Tue, 08 May 2012 16:52:06 GMT

Not so much 'funny' as a head-scratcher that happened to me yesterday: Went to lunch with a group of co-workers. There were two versions of the grilled salmon sandwich. One had berbere spices and lemon aioli and the other had jerk barbeque sauce and a mango cabbage slaw. I said to the waitress "I'll have the jerk barbeque one because I'm in the mood for mango." When the dish comes, the salmon is on the bun with lettuce and a slice of tomato and gobs of sauce on top, and fries on the side. No mango slaw in evidence. When I ask where the mango slaw is, she says "oh, we should change the menu, we don't serve it like that anymore." But why tell me that when I order it? When I clearly said I was in the mood for mango? Or serve it with the slaw they do have (which is on one of my co-worker's plates)? Sigh....

Teaching children to behave at restaurants

CookieLee — Mon, 07 May 2012 20:16:46 GMT

An anecdote to share - When the little cookie was 3, he and I were having dinner in a Chinese restaurant. He had his elbows on the table, he was resting his chin on his hands. I explained to him that it is considered bad manners to have ones elbows on the table. He said to me, "But Mom, if I take away my elbows, gravity will make my face fall into my food." At that moment, he took his hands away from his face, and let his face fall into his food! Priceless! Except for a phase when he and his cousins were 1-3, we dined in when we were all together. After that, they were able to sit longer, enjoy the company of each other and adults, and enjoy eating at the same pace as adults. We did have books at the ready, usually needed at the very end of the meal.

Need help with Science Fair food

jmcarthur8 — Mon, 07 May 2012 17:59:51 GMT

One of the boys in my son's class back in the day actually started 3 weeks ahead of time with the moldy bread experiment. It never occurred to his mom that standard gooey white bread would not get moldy in that time. He had 4 pristine slices of bread on his display.

Finger lickin' good? [moved from General topics]

scubadoo97 — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:40:33 GMT

"Do you ever lick your fingers when eating messy finger food like BBQ" Absolutely

Do you like it when your server recognizes you?

Bill Hunt — Mon, 07 May 2012 03:16:26 GMT

Yes, it can be enjoyable. Just returned from Blackberry Farm, for our 10th visit. We dined for eight days, and often three meals per day, in two locations. For every meal, from breakfast through lunch to dinner, each server recognized us, though we had not been there, since last July. That was very nice. It was also great for us to remember each of our servers and sommeliers, and my wife even was able to inquire about their children! No, I greatly enjoy it, when my server recognizes me. It is a nice touch. Just hosted a board dinner in London, and the sommelier came over. Not only did he know the first wine that I would choose, but recounted where we sat six mos. before, and knew the wines that we had ordered. Took about half of the work out of the night. Maybe it is that I have little, to nothing, to hide, and each server knows me, and most often my lovely wife. If they do not know her, then if they are good, they will likely meet her, on my next visit. Hunt

You know you're a foodie ("food nerd", "chow-der", etc.) when.....

Dcn4Jesus — Mon, 07 May 2012 02:51:56 GMT

I think I see....lol

Could your/ IS your significant other a picky eater?

Chinon00 — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:29:02 GMT

College provided much greater access to like-minded people whose tastes weren't mainstream. Once you get into "the world" those opportunities plummet (or they have for me). By "chase food" I mean making it a priority to eat at this taco truck, or that Jewish deli, or the new restaurant downtown with an esteemed young chef.

Wine Mark Up

Vetter — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:27:47 GMT

What a fascinating, and true, point.

Is the Pringles container recyclable?

lovetocookPEI — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:49:07 GMT

Not sure about the container but the cover perfectly fits little glasses I have in my cupboard. Good for teeny leftovers.

Calling California Hunters

divadmas — Sat, 05 May 2012 19:18:25 GMT

i had some sausage made from feral pig a few months ago. good flavor, spices, but even with added pork fat, and there was some fat cooked out, it was very dry. maybe it needed more grinding to incorporate added fat?

"Kids Say the Darndest Things" about Food, Cooking, etc.: Plse Add Your Funny Experiences!

sunshine842 — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:04:42 GMT

Oh, I so hope you break your promise...or keep the promise and tell it at her bachelorette party.