Peeve: Minuscule Portions

The last thing I want these days is to be rolled out of a restaurant, holding by belly, and groaning that I ate too much. On the other hand, I don't want to leave feeling hungry.

Last night we dined at a fabulous restaurant. The food, drink, ambiance, and company were all perfect. I ordered a starter, a main course, and a dessert and also had a few helpings of the bread. I enjoyed every single moment of the dinner. But as we were driving home, I realized I still felt hungry. In retrospect, each course consisted of just a few bites, maybe six or eight for the main course. For over $100 per person, I expect somewhat more. For example, my main course was an extraordinary breast of duck. My guess is that my serving consisted of 1/3 or at most 1/2 of a standard duck breast.

I have no problem with tasting menus like San Francisco's Campton Place with 12 small courses. And I guess I could have ordered multiple starters or main courses last night. And I definitely prefer quality over quantity. And I know different people have different appetites. But even my wife who eats much less than I do agreed that she was also craving more.

Is this a common experience?

Bill/SFNM

Bill/SFNM wrote:Is this a common experience?

Not in Chicago.

There are a few places like that, but I would guess that big portions that leave you with leftovers are more common than too-small servings here. We are seeing a trend of "small plates" restaurants, where you're expected to order tapas-style, and the bill can add up in a hurry if you order enough of them, but nobody pretends they're supposed to be anything but "tasting" portions.

If anything, my peeve is just the opposite - portions too large. Lately, Susan and I have splitting one appetizer, one salad and one entree, (maybe a cheese plate, if offered) and leaving feeling satisfied. Even if I leave feeling slightly hungry, that's not a bad thing.

If the full portions are put in front of me, I'll usually eat them (I was brought up to always clean my plate). So portion control works better than other types of self-control for me.

YMMV

nr706 wrote:If anything, my peeve is just the opposite - portions too large.

I would rather larger portions myself because I would imagine it could be arranged to take the rest with you if you so desire because at least you leave full.