Doggie Days
I walk home from most restaurants toting a container of food that will make for a delicious lunch the following day. Although once considered totally garish, taking home a doggie bag when dining out is now the norm. As people tighten their belts across the country, it only makes sense that we actually eat what we pay for. All of it. I can't stand the thought of wasting my money by leaving half my food on the plate just because I'm full before I can get through it (due to enormous portions, not a small appetite). Not to mention the fact that wasting food feels almost as bad as throwing away my money. Time, money, fuel, hard work and the life of an animal all went into my plate of roasted chicken. Let me honor all that by filling my belly and licking my fingers not once, but twice if the portion allows.
I've never felt weird about asking for my food to be wrapped up. In fact, most restaurants will ask if you would like your food "to-go" if there is some left on your plate. How do you feel about taking home a doggie bag?
--Erica
photos: Getty Images
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I could not agree more about taking home leftovers...especially when the meal itself is double what you want to pay! I take them home and sometimes they even last for lunch and dinner the following day...a good deal!
EXACTLY!! Can't figure out why it was once so garish...I think it's a compliment to the chef!!
Indeed in the USA it is the norm. I being a full blooded American living in The Netherlands was disturbed to find that the Dutch never take home doggie bags! I said the heck with it and I ask for a doggie bag. However very often they state they do not have the to go equipment! I wonder what they would think if I brought in my own tupperware...okay never mind that is going a bit far even for me.
What is really tough is how everything is sooooo expensive here the average dinner costing 25 euros and thats not drinks. Even McDonalds charges me 35 eurocents for a pack of ketchup!Want a side with your dish it will be extra same with a glass of water and there is not any free refills!
The waste factor is the serious... it is just disrepectful to throw away good good.