We Ate Out Last Night

[RUDisney]

Usually, when we go out to eat, we tell the server that we are on Atkins. That's why we don't need bread on our table and they'll usually substitute veggies for the potato, etc.

Last night, my DH was out with one of his friends for cigars and drinks after work and called me and the kids to join them for dinner. That was nice.

The waitress we had was awful. As our friend put it, she was acting as if waitressing was the most painful, horrible thing she could be doing and knowing that she'd be doing it for a long time made it even worse.

I ordered the duck and told her that I didn't want it in the nest of sweet potatoes, as on the menu, due to Atkins. She asked if I wanted mashed potatoes. I quickly explained that all potatoes were taboo, so she offered me a double order of vegetables. I told her that would be great.

Wanna guess what the vegetables were? A "flower" made of white potatoes that were thinly sliced and a "flower" made of thinly sliced potatoes that were soaked with beets to make them burgandy colored. So much for having veggies with my meal. The duck was good, though.

Funny thing is that this was a AAA 5-diamond restaurant. We get better service that accommodates our diet from the Lonestar Steakhouse.

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

I read something about this recently, either in the Washington Post or Gourmet. Essentially, chefs spend a great deal of time pairing their foods and many are loathe to make changes. Some interviewed said something to the effect that if you are on a restrictive diet, you should not go to a restaurant that aims for a culinary experience. They would rather you take your money elsewhere than pair foods with something that may not be as complementary.

Not saying I agree with this...just giving the explanation I heard.

 

[RUDisney]

I've heard the same thing. These chefs shouldn't be in the business, then IMO. They are in a service industry and without customers they are out of a job.

I am somewhat of an ametuer gourmet and have been having tons of fun on Atkins coming up with food pairings that are both delicious and lo carb.

If these trained individuals can't or won't accommodate dietary restrictions, then they aren't very good or creative chefs, IMO.

The thing of it is that I question, though, was whether it was the chef or if it was the waitress who hardly listened to us and acted very aloof throughout our meal. My guess last night and this morning is that it was the waitress.

 

[nativetxn]

When we were in New Orleans last February we ate at an upscale restaurant. We went through asking for no bread, hold the croutons on the salad and steak, no potatoes thank you.

The chef came to our table and made suggestions as to what we might light instead of the potatoes. We ended up with some lovely asparagus with a lemon butter sauce that was perfectly Atkins friendly and very yummy.

I was so pleased at our treatment there, so not all chefs are so self important. You would think they would relish a challenge to their talents.

Sorry you had a bad experience