# Menu or Not? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 1, 2017, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465 "2017-04-01T00:04:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/61 "2017-04-04T00:59:03Z")
> [@DrCube](#): > > Is the OP coming back? I don’t understand how you can only eat at places you’ve already eaten before. There’s a first time for everything. Do you already know the _one_ thing you’ll eat when you visit a new restaurant, or do you at least look at the menu then? Really? You _don’t understand_ how a person can only eat at places they’ve already eaten? I get that this board is full of gourmands that possess the sophistication that some of don’t possess,and positively _live_ for the next gastronomic experience, but are you so removed from the unwashed that the concept of people who don’t care about food or don’t have the budget to go new places just take their pleasure where they can / choose to find it? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/62 "2017-04-04T01:02:44Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Really? You _don’t understand_ how a person can only eat at places they’ve already eaten? I get that this board is full of gourmands that possess the sophistication that some of don’t possess,and positively _live_ for the next gastronomic experience, but are you so removed from the unwashed that the concept of people who don’t care about food or don’t have the budget to go new places just take their pleasure where they can / choose to find it? Let me put it this way: In modern society, I can’t understand how it is _logistically possible_ to only ever eat at a place where you already know the one thing on the menu that you like. You _never_ end up in a situation in which you have to just go somewhere where you’ve never eaten before? Does that mean your life or your job or your free time never is such that you end up somewhere new? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/63 "2017-04-04T01:11:58Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > If they don’t whine about it, and quietly make their unadventurous choice, then would you socialize with them? I am one of those people but I try to be polite about it. I don’t know. If you keep your pickiness so well hidden that I never notice it, then it’s not going to come up. But say we’re in a group and we want to meet for a meal. If there’s a guy who: 1. Always declines to join because his food preferences are so narrow that he won’t be able to partake 2. Comes but doesn’t eat because there’s _nothing_ on offer that fit into his narrow choices 3. Has a limited list of places he will go because those are the only places that serve what he’s willing to eat 4. Will never go somewhere if he doesn’t know in advance what he will be eating, because of the narrowness of his tastes 5. Makes it hard to plan a social occasion at home because his particular narrow tastes have to be accounted for Then that’s someone I’m not going to be sharing a lot of social occasions with. I’ll make exceptions for (1) health-based food restrictions, such as allergies or other doctor-ordered restrictions, (2) religion, (3) temporary illness, and (4) various kinds of vegetarians (to a point), but not for “there are only a handful of things that I like.” Everybody doesn’t like _something_. That’s normal. Everybody doesn’t feel like something in particular today. That’s normal. But part of being a grown up in a grown up world is having to be able to get by without much trouble in a world where you might be faced with not having your favorite things at hand. And part of being a grown up in a grown up world means occasionally having to eat something you don’t like, because someone else made it. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/64 "2017-04-04T01:19:38Z")
And even if you do keep your pickiness so well hidden that I never notice it, I still doubt that we’ll ever be very close friends or friends who spend much time together, because a big part of what I do with friends is to go to eat something (1) I haven’t tried yet, (2) he hasn’t tried yet, or (3) both of us haven’t tried yet. And we try it and talk about it and rate it and compare it to other things we’ve had. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/65 "2017-04-04T01:35:25Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > Let me put it this way: In modern society, I can’t understand how it is _logistically possible_ to only ever eat at a place where you already know the one thing on the menu that you like. You _never_ end up in a situation in which you have to just go somewhere where you’ve never eaten before? Does that mean your life or your job or your free time never is such that you end up somewhere new? This has no correlation to anything anyone has said here. Also, saying you “can’t understand how _logistically_ it’s not possible to only eat at a place where already know the one thing on the menu you like” is incomprehensible. We differ a lot about food but I know you’re not stupid. Of course it’s _logistically_ possible; but I know what you’re trying to say. If one only eats at at chain /franchises, for instance, he will know what it on the menu. Your latest response reads completely different from your earlier response to the OP, saying his proposition is “insane” and referring to people that you “avoid socially”. For whatever reason, you apparently have a very strong feeling about this issue and it seems to compel you to be . . .not very nice. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/66 "2017-04-04T01:47:52Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > This has no correlation to anything anyone has said here. It’s my interpretation of the question Dr Cube asked and your response to him that I quoted. The rest of your post is irrelevant to that particular issue. > [@](#): > > Of course it’s _logistically_ possible; but I know what you’re trying to say. If one only eats at at chain /franchises, for instance, he will know what it on the menu. I know no such thing. I have often ended up in a place where there are no chain restaurants within convenient distance given my location, means of transportation available, and the time available to grab a meal. I have often been in situations in which you just have to make do with a limited number of practical options. So yes I don’t understand how it is logistically possible to only _ever_ eat where you already know there’s one thing you like. > [@](#): > > For whatever reason, you apparently have a very strong feeling about this issue and it seems to compel you to be . . .not very nice. Really. ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/67 "2017-04-04T01:57:24Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > It’s my interpretation of the question Dr Cube asked and your response to him that I quoted. The rest of your post is irrelevant to that particular issue. > > I know no such thing. I have often ended up in a place where there are no chain restaurants within convenient distance given my location, means of transportation available, and the time available to grab a meal. I have often been in situations in which you just have to make do with a limited number of practical options. So yes I don’t understand how it is logistically possible to only _ever_ eat where you already know there’s one thing you like. > > Really. Yes, _really_. On this particular issue - and this has gone on for some time- you really seem not to grasp the concept of " people like/ think / do things differently than me". We all have a bit of that within us but this particular issue seems to set you off. And, in all fairness, it does me as well. That’s why we seem to butt heads. Shame on me; I always succumb to you putting me on the defensive. Well done , Sir!🙂 ---
**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanub/32/132_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUB)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/68 "2017-04-04T02:20:21Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > And even if you do keep your pickiness so well hidden that I never notice it, I still doubt that we’ll ever be very close friends or friends who spend much time together, because a big part of what I do with friends is to go to eat something (1) I haven’t tried yet, (2) he hasn’t tried yet, or (3) both of us haven’t tried yet. And we try it and talk about it and rate it and compare it to other things we’ve had. And that’s reasonable and obviously within your right to choose friends who share the same interests. Can you not see that a more civil statement would have been “Wow, that is the polar opposite of me. A big part of my social life is trying new foods with my friends”.? The reason you responded the way you did is to show your disdain. Why? ---
**Author:** ![DrCube](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a3d4f5/32.png) [@DrCube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrCube)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/69 "2017-04-04T02:23:50Z")
> [@WOOKINPANUB](#): > > Really? You _don’t understand_ how a person can only eat at places they’ve already eaten? I get that this board is full of gourmands that possess the sophistication that some of don’t possess,and positively _live_ for the next gastronomic experience, but are you so removed from the unwashed that the concept of people who don’t care about food or don’t have the budget to go new places just take their pleasure where they can / choose to find it? Yes. How? You had to have eaten there for the first time, once, right? And restaurants close and new ones open (and menus change too), so you can’t eat only at the same places your parents took you to as a child. I understand how you might frequent a few places exclusively and always order the same thing there, but there was a time when even those places were new to you. You had to look at a menu then, right? And you never travel? Or, for example, have a game night or help your friends move, and they ordered some unfamiliar takeout? I can see why your preference might be to stick with the familiar. But 100% of the time, no exceptions, seems improbable if not mathematically impossible, to me. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/70 "2017-04-04T13:33:44Z")
OP back. I nearly always eat at chain restaurants, and when I eat out, it’s almost always with my husband or with friends, who enjoy chain restaurants, too. (Or at least they say they do.) For me, just not having to cook/spending time with friends is the treat. ---
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/71 "2017-04-04T14:06:18Z")
Nope, I’m generally the last person still pondering the menu when the waiter comes by for the third time. :o I’ve always been like this, but these days since I don’t get to eat out much for various reasons, even more so. Unless we’re specifically going out because husband and I are both in the mood for (quite specific X). However, I do like to order the “special” at a certain caliber of restaurant–not because it’s cheaper (it usually isn’t), but because it’s something a little more unique, or super-seasonal (like morel mushrooms), or what have you. In that case, I’ll only give the menu a quick once-over, or to pick out something for an appetizer or dessert. I’d love to go to some restaurants with a set menu, since I’ll try anything, but I’ve only gotten to do something like that once (a good sushi place). I’m kind of in fine dining limbo land right now. I’ll even deliberate over a fast food menu, because it’s likely I haven’t been there in a year or more, and there might be some limited-time item that’s a bit more interesting. If it’s a standard chain restaurant, I’m taking a while, because I’m looking for the least…I’m not quite sure how to describe it…“chain-restauranty” dish available. Basically, the menu item that Gordon Ramsey would sneer at the least, to give you an idea. I’m not super snobby (I like some downright junk), but I do want something that doesn’t remind me of a TV dinner. ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/72 "2017-04-04T14:09:54Z")
Like others have said, variety is one the main reasons I eat out. We try new restaurants every month and while we have some favorite places we don’t have a regular place. And we are constantly trying new dishes, especially the specials. And my wife and I both love a Chef’s Tasting where you have no idea what is coming. Yum. ---
**Author:** ![FairyChatMom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fairychatmom/32/22080_2.png) [@FairyChatMom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FairyChatMom)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/73 "2017-04-04T15:41:40Z")
Sometimes, I suggest dining out because I want a particular dish from a particular restaurant, so I don’t need to see the menu. If we’re thinking of trying a new place, I’ll see if they’ve got an online menu so I can decide if there’s anything I’d want to eat there. Or we’ll just go and I’ll figure it out from the menu. Even online menus are no guarantee - recently, I went to lunch with my coworkers at a place that had a very limited menu and some unique choices. I thought I was safe getting a green salad as a side, but they had some weird greens in their salad. I swear, it looked like someone weeded a garden and tossed it on to my plate. ---
**Author:** ![Maurie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/df788c/32.png) [@Maurie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maurie)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/74 "2017-04-04T15:50:22Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > Then there are places like the one in Sacramento where the menu is essentially a prop, with basic, boring and even yucky stuff on it (liver and onions), and the real choices are rattled off as “specials”… sometimes ten or more. Good food but I hated that gimmick. I don’t think I understand what you mean. What’s gimmicky about that, and why would it bother you anyway? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/75 "2017-04-04T15:53:57Z")
> [@Maurie](#): > > I don’t think I understand what you mean. What’s gimmicky about that, and why would it bother you anyway? Yeah, I was curious about that, too. And liver and onions are awesome. I’d go there just for that! It’s getting more and more difficult to find a place that does it. But, anyhow, I really can’t think of any place where the menu is a “gimmick” in any sense. I tend to eat off the specials at a lot of places, but the tried-and-true (and “boring,” I guess) items on the regular menu get ordered a lot around me. ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/76 "2017-04-04T16:05:30Z")
> [@Amateur\_Barbarian](#): > > Then there are places like the one in Sacramento where the menu is essentially a prop, with basic, boring and even yucky stuff on it (liver and onions), and the real choices are rattled off as “specials”… sometimes ten or more. Good food but I hated that gimmick. Hate it too. I much prefer that if there are specials, they would print out a quick menu of it for each table so that we can study it and make a decision between the specials and the regular menu. I guess it’s upscale though to have the waiters tell you from memory. :shrug: Having a hard time hearing in public places also creates a problem for me when the waiter rattles off the specials. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/77 "2017-04-04T16:10:43Z")
Oh, the gimmick is the rattling off of the specials, not the menu itself. I guess I can see that as being annoying, but I guess I’ve never noticed it. Most places I go to print up their specials or have them on a chalkboard. And it’s rarely more than two or three main dishes. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/78 "2017-04-04T17:06:36Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Hate it too. I much prefer that if there are specials, they would print out a quick menu of it for each table so that we can study it and make a decision between the specials and the regular menu. I guess it’s upscale though to have the waiters tell you from memory. :shrug: > > Having a hard time hearing in public places also creates a problem for me when the waiter rattles off the specials. > [@pulykamell](#): > > Oh, the gimmick is the rattling off of the specials, not the menu itself. I guess I can see that as being annoying, but I guess I’ve never noticed it. Most places I go to print up their specials or have them on a chalkboard. And it’s rarely more than two or three main dishes. We have a favorite restaurant that used to do this. The menu had a basic half dozen entrees, but always over a dozen specials, each one described to the last ingredient. There was no way to remember the beginning by the time the server got to the end. They finally started printing them up. I have no idea why it took them so long. ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2017, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465/79 "2017-04-04T18:54:39Z")
Although I am a creature of habit and often order a favorite dish at some restaurants, I always want to know the specials, if any, and I always look at the menu. I have never minded having a waitron refer to notes, and think requiring them to memorize everything is silly. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/menu-or-not/783465.md?page=3)