Smaller portion size options?

[tastyjon]

Running errands, I found myself outside one of the city's most noted steakhouses last night and it smelled delish, wasn't busy (rain) and I considered popping in and trying it. It's a place I've wanted to experience, but when the boss is in town and paying!

Still, I looked at the menu and pretty much all the offerings were huge. Big, pricey and probably perfectly well valued pieces of meat, no doubt. But I wasn't in the mood for that level of commitment!

There are times when I can eat whatever is in front of me, but usually I'm more of a grazer on most days... little meals/snacks rather than 2-3 big meals. I'm also more a fan of variety... like a bento box or Korean meal with a bunch of small, contrasting bites. Eating 24+ ounces of anything, usually, means I grow less appreciative of the food each bite.

So it got me wondering... are there places that serve up higher quality fare, but in a portion size that is attractive to a single diner/budget watcher/lighter-meal type of foodie?

Thanks, Jon

[uwsister]

I'm like you too - I get flavor fatigue pretty easily and much prefer to order small portions of lots of different stuff than traditional style of dining. There's a restaurant in Boston where you can order half-order of every dish - I wish all restaurants did that.

Anyway, as far as single-serving steaks go - I remember reading about a place that opened recently where they were going to serve smaller steaks with sides included for a lower price than a traditional steakhouse. I can't remember the name and I haven't been there either, but maybe another 'hound will remember?

[Bkeats]

Are you asking if there are places in general which serve smaller plates of high quality food (which there are) or are you asking for a high quality small steak? If the latter, how small are you looking for? Most of the steak houses I've been to serve an 8 oz filet. Not the tastiest cut, but when I'm not looking to eat a 16 oz hunk, it works.

[tastyjon]

More of the latter, but not just steak.

As an example, if I have a craving for some good seafood, I can scratch that itch for under $10 at a number of sushi places. No need to order a whole fish.

Or in other words, I think it's great that XYZ place has a huge, $20 lamb burger that's out of this world. I want to try the great $5 lamb slider on a typical day!

[kathryn]

I'd say lighter meals are often possible at small plates and tapas restaurants, or anywhere with a big appetizer selection, but eating this way is frequently not budget friendly.

[hill food]

I'm with ya on that. I'd rather pay a slightly higher price per oz. for a smaller serving of something good than face carting the leftover box around and facing the fridge greyed chunk of cold steak tomorrow. (IMHO 16 oz or more of steak is a silly portion size in any non-lumberjack circumstance)