Culturally switched sides
Oct 12th 2011, 11:12 pm
#31
Peace onion
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 5,686
Re: Culturally switched sides
Maybe growing up in the UK has seriously changed my outlook on life. I find it embarrassing that you would want to take food home, or walk out of a restaurant with it, more to the point.
You get dressed up, nice meal, few glasses of vino then get given a polystyrene box to put your "leftovers" in?
I still dont get it
You get dressed up, nice meal, few glasses of vino then get given a polystyrene box to put your "leftovers" in?
I still dont get it
Oct 12th 2011, 11:16 pm
#32
Peace onion
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: Denver
Posts: 5,686
Oct 12th 2011, 11:17 pm
#33
I'm off to find a spanner
Joined: Feb 2008
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,867
Re: Culturally switched sides
You're welcome, it's a talent I have.
Oct 12th 2011, 11:19 pm
#34
Yes, I know i'm awesome.
Joined: Jan 2011
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota
Posts: 624
Re: Culturally switched sides
Not only is it normal everywhere I have eaten in the US, in many places the waiter visiting your table at the end of the meal will actually ask if you need a box or not.
I am baffled as to why it would be culturally unacceptable in the UK, especially given both the economic world situation, and the rise of "green" living. If I have paid $35 for a steak, and not finished it, it's coming home with me, like it or not!
I am baffled as to why it would be culturally unacceptable in the UK, especially given both the economic world situation, and the rise of "green" living. If I have paid $35 for a steak, and not finished it, it's coming home with me, like it or not!
Oct 13th 2011, 12:13 am
#35
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
Re: Culturally switched sides
From a weight loss view point, a good suggestion (at least I think so) is to order a sensible meal but ask for a box immediately and put half the meal in it for the next day.
Oct 13th 2011, 2:52 am
#36
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: Culturally switched sides
I'm not sure where you eat out but we never have the problem of being hustled all the time. Maybe one look at M scares them too much.
In fact back in the UK this year, while we were in Cambridge a restraunt we had a meal in (and it was a weekday night so not over busy) were practically shoving us out the door so they could seat another group. Felt very uncomfortable about it and made sure Mr Oliver knew as well
Excellent idea, and no thinking about what to make for dinner the next day either
Oct 13th 2011, 3:12 am
#37
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Location: Manhattan
Posts: 2,913
Re: Culturally switched sides
I always ask my customers if they would like to take their food home if they haven't finished it. Why waste good food? Sometimes people leave part of their entree so they can leave room for dessert as well. The food where I work is really delicious! I wouldn't let it go to waste!
Oct 13th 2011, 3:42 am
#38
The Kwisatz Haderach
Joined: Aug 2008
Location: North Wales
Posts: 8,080
Re: Culturally switched sides
It's normal in all the US places I've lived, which is about seven different states. Some servers, upon seeing that you have finished eating but still have food on your plate, will offer to bring you a box for the remainder without your even having to ask. I know many people who approach eating out as getting two meals out of the one purchase, which makes it a more affordable thing to do.
I haven't heard anyone call it a doggy bag for years, though. Mostly it's "would you like a box for that?" or "may I box that up for you?", something along those lines.
I haven't heard anyone call it a doggy bag for years, though. Mostly it's "would you like a box for that?" or "may I box that up for you?", something along those lines.
What a waste to throw a whole one away cause I'd be too snobby to take it home.The only time I don't take food home is if it's really hot in the summer and I'm not heading straight home, I'd hate to kill the kid with kindness.
I never seemed to have leftovers in UK, either I like the food better or the portions are smaller.
Oct 13th 2011, 11:14 am
#39
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5,043
Re: Culturally switched sides
This is a strategy one of my good friends used to drop 50 lbs! It became a habit to her so it was easy to stick with it.
Oct 13th 2011, 12:09 pm
#40
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 361
Re: Culturally switched sides
I have absolutely no reservations asking for a doggy bag. Except when on a date. It pains me so much, but if I don't know the girl well enough I feel forced to waste it. I don't want to come across as being cheap. Any advice lol? Do the female variety really mind?
Oct 13th 2011, 1:12 pm
#41
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Memphis
Posts: 1,277
Re: Culturally switched sides
Seriously, I, personally, don't know of any female who would be offended or put off by your asking for the "doggy bag". If you thought well enough of her to ask her out, and she thought well enough of you to accept, there must be some kinship with regard to philosophy, don't you think? Then again, I guess it depends on which country you're in at the time.
Oct 13th 2011, 1:22 pm
#42
Sursum corda
Joined: Sep 2002
Location: Richmond Hill, GA USA
Posts: 38,860
Re: Culturally switched sides
, OR she'll just look at you a bit oddly and say half heartedly, knock yourself out (while thinking boy what a tight wad) 
Frankly, as someone else said here, in this economic climate-waste not, want not.
Oct 13th 2011, 1:30 pm
#43
Account Closed
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 0
Re: Culturally switched sides
You could make a joke out of it, if it really bothers you leaving food, IF you don't know the girl well enough, to test the waters and ask-hey would you think I'm odd if I ask for a doggy bag? Either she'll say, go ahead and I'd like one for me, , OR she'll just look at you a bit oddly and say half heartedly, knock yourself out (while thinking boy what a tight wad)
Frankly, as someone else said here, in this economic climate-waste not, want not.
, OR she'll just look at you a bit oddly and say half heartedly, knock yourself out (while thinking boy what a tight wad) Frankly, as someone else said here, in this economic climate-waste not, want not.
I always look at it the way I would when cooking at home, you don't throw left-overs away do you (well, I know I don't) so same thing. You've paid your grocery bill for food to cook and likewise you've paid a restaurant for your food as well.
Oct 13th 2011, 1:37 pm
#44
Queen of my house
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 5,043
Re: Culturally switched sides
I can't stand to waste food, so I have no problem asking for a box. As Sugarmooma said, most of us do not throw out perfectly good food at home. Frugality is "in." 
Oct 13th 2011, 1:41 pm
#45
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Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Vermont
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Re: Culturally switched sides
I don't have a problem asking for a doggy bag (and round here they do say doggy bag or box) if it's something I know will get eaten. I would prefer a smaller portion that was cheaper though. And I wouldn't ask for a doggy bag if I was on a date Bilder, that would seem a bit cheap
