If a restaurant meal comes with something you know you won't eat

[Anonymous]

Do you ask for it to be left off to avoid waste

Or have them leave it on, to avoid being "picky".

I'm thinking of something like a side of coleslaw, or a pickle spear, or onion on your burger, all of which are easy to simply not eat, not something like mustard on the burger, or an ingredient that would be hard to separate.

I feel like I go back and forth. Once I went to a restaurant with my kid who ordered their burger with no tomato and the server told me the chef got offended by these things. On the other hand, I don't like maple syrup, and I always feel sad the little jug of maple syrup will be wasted when I go to a pancake place, so I'm tempted to tell them to leave it off.

[Anonymous]

I never eat toast. When I am out for breakfast and order an omelet or eggs or whatever and they ask "wheat, white or rye?" I always just order wheat because when I say I don't want it they bring white toast anyway or get confused. I feel weird about it every time, though, because I know I'm not going to eat it.

[Anonymous]

A chef at a burger place? That must be an expensive burger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never eat toast. When I am out for breakfast and order an omelet or eggs or whatever and they ask "wheat, white or rye?" I always just order wheat because when I say I don't want it they bring white toast anyway or get confused. I feel weird about it every time, though, because I know I'm not going to eat it.

Just say "no toast, please."

[Anonymous]

Depends on the situation. Out with a large group? I'll just pick whatever I don't like (onions) off. With just a few people or my family I may ask them to leave it off. I really don't care about what's on the side since I can just not eat it. In all honesty I'm not concerned about this small amount of food waste.

[Anonymous]

If it's a garnish like onion, lettuce and tomato for a burger, that is part of the "show" of the meal. It makes the plate (and the chef) look better. I don't say leave that off.

I would say, No toast, thanks. Or, no cole slaw or potato salad. Sometimes the issue is that some people think if they don't get the Cole slaw or whatever, then they should have a reduced price. (I know, people are weird.) But it isn't. As long as you are fine with the price, just say, No Cole slaw.

[Anonymous]

Grew up with parents in the restaurant business and the focus was always on making sure the customer got what they wanted. No offense taken. Unless it's impossible (like, chicken pot pie, no carrots), just ask for something to be left off the plate. Or if you want a swap, again just ask and let them know if there's an upcharge, you will pay.

[Anonymous]

I hate tomatoes, and I usually ask for them to be removed. I feel bad about wasting the food. Plus a tomato on a burger can sometimes leave the flavor behind even after I pick it off.

But as a PP said, if I am with a big group or the restaurant is really busy, I don't bug them about it and just remove it myself.

[Anonymous]

I never ask for any accommodations. I just smile, say thank you and tip (except if there's bad service).

But that's because I don't "hate" anything. I might even have a nibble, to confirm I still don't like it. And sometimes it's not that bad

[Anonymous]

I think if you’re trying to get garnish left off the plate you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. You don’t have to eat the garnish anyway. I usually just ask to substitute things iike steamed vegetables for potatoes. If I really dislike something on a plate I order something else. I don’t like mushrooms so I don’t order the masala.

[Anonymous]

I frequent a restaurant that I routinely order fish tacos. It comes with some kind of refried beans which I do not eat. I request whatever kinds of vegetables that have and they always switch it out for no additional cost.

[Anonymous]

I eat what it comes with. I am not a spoilt, petulant child.

[Anonymous]

I ask not to have something I'm not going to eat. We waste so much food in this country. I don't make a big deal if it arrives anyway, but the things you are talking about are easy not to put on the plate...especially if there are already choices involved in the order (e.g. what kind of toast).

[Anonymous]

I’ve had weight loss surgery so can’t eat a lot.
I generally order something I know will reheat well for lunches at work. If not though I try and order without the extra stuff. No French fries, no potatoes, no toast…… it’s just going to waste then I feel guilty.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never eat toast. When I am out for breakfast and order an omelet or eggs or whatever and they ask "wheat, white or rye?" I always just order wheat because when I say I don't want it they bring white toast anyway or get confused. I feel weird about it every time, though, because I know I'm not going to eat it.

Just say "no toast, please."

PP here. I have said that. Many times. It arrives with toast anyway.