How do servers and kitchen staff react when restaurant customers request that prior to the meal being brought to the table, 1/2 of it is put in a to-go box? Are customers given a hard time about this? Its often recommended for portion control or to avoid overeating but i want to see how realistic or common of a request this is. Anybody work in a restaurant that can speak on this?
2007-06-06 16:29:00 · 14 answers · asked by Vintheland 2 in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
Well, they don't know if you would approve of they're portioning. The customers sometimes ask the waiters/waitresses to cook the to go food up when they're not full after eating they're 'half' and it gets to be SUCH a hassle.
2007-06-06 16:32:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anna 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wasn't a problem for me at all, aside from having a small kitchen. I'd just put it in the fridge until they were ready to leave. It's really no different than having someone ask for a to-go box when they got their check. I know I served big portions, because that's what the patrons wanted for the price. I actually liked the fact that they wanted to take it home. Whether it was before or after it was served. There's no shame in asking for a box right away or to have it boxed up.
2007-06-07 13:51:54 · answer #2 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I actually work in a restaurant and I have been there for about 5 months now and I have NEVER had anyone ask me to actually put half their food in a to-go box before I bring it to them. I have had 1 person ask me to bring them a box once I put their food on the table, before they ever took a bite of it though just simply for portion control. But I could honestly say that I dont think it happens very often. I think since it doesn't happen very often it kind of takes us by surprise when they ask for a box right away, but we dont walk away and start talking like, "What a weirdo, they asked for a box before they ate anything"....it's nothing like that. Of course I dont work in a ritzy restaurant or anything, but I know we aren't like that in the restaurant that I work at.
2007-06-06 23:59:30 · answer #3 · answered by Lindsey P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I worked in a restaurant for years, and it's a fairly common request - more so as people are becoming aware of the need to cut their portions in half.
It's EASIER for them to do it right away rather than waiting until the customer is ready to go. Don't feel uncomfortable requesting this. Besides, YOU'RE the customer to begin with - if that's what you want, that's what you should get.
2007-06-06 23:33:21 · answer #4 · answered by Moxie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a waitress for years and it never bothered me when someone asked a question like that. It was no trouble either to do it.
In fact, at some places I worked the menu even offered half-sizes, or let adults order off the children's menu.
I don't think there are too many restaurants that would care. Afterall its your dinner, and you are paying the bill, so why should they?
Hope that makes you feel a little more comfortable to ask next time you go out to eat. :)
2007-06-06 23:34:13 · answer #5 · answered by Reiki Chick 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm a chef and I know that it's not a hassel doing it but, there are a few problems and they are, 1. where to store it and make it easy to find when you are ready to go, 2. who's doing what to it when it's out of your or your server.s sight? and 3. some city codes won't allow food to re-enter the kitchen then be re-served, the kitchen can't touch it once it leaves the kitchen, that's why packing it at the table has become acceptable, it all depends on the laws in your city.
2007-06-06 23:49:39 · answer #6 · answered by Jack J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a waitress for years, and it is something we would do, but I would just ask for a box to be brought at the time of the meal, and then you can put how much you want in the box. That way they can still have their "presentation".
2007-06-06 23:50:27 · answer #7 · answered by Jennifer S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
huge popular request!
NO Trouble at all, we have the cooks do it before they send out the food, we just type in "box half" or "half- to go" when we place the order.
or we will bring a box out to the table so you can do it apon your meal arrival. if that is your request.
2007-06-09 10:43:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kitchen staff will think your crazy, but will happily do it for you.
We get very bored in the back, so don't take offense, we pretty much make fun of all odd requests.
2007-06-06 23:33:19 · answer #9 · answered by cards203 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a hassle. If you request and receive this special service and you aren't given any negative "attitude", tip another 5%.
2007-06-08 13:18:35 · answer #10 · answered by nouryture 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋