Olive Garden love

[msteelers]

I wish we had a German restaurant near here. The closest thing we have to it is the German buffet at Epcot.

What about The Hoffman?

I forgot about them! I’ve wanted to go, but my wife’s grandparents are from Germany and they gave it a thumbs down. That was enough to keep the Mrs. from being willing to give it a shot.

[Smoove_B]

Ok, come clean - which one of you works for the Washingotn Post?

All across the country, German restaurants are calling it quits.

...

The cuisine’s long history here might be part of the reason, too. It’s “Grandma’s food,” Hauck said. At a time when American eaters seem interested in sampling new-to-them cuisines from around the globe — Native American food is the new poke is the new Uighur is the new Filipino — German food seems stodgy. Not to mention that in the age of Instagram, it suffers from an acute case of brown.

[Redfive]

No authentic cuisine restaurant should have hamburgers on the menu.

I can't imagine going to an authentic Mexican restaurant that had hamburgers on the menu.

Hell, taco bell is still in business and they don't sell hamburgers.

The idea that a restaurant can't stay in business if they don't sell hamburgers must be an regional thing.

Even restaurants with a kids menu will have things like buttered noodles or mac and cheese if the main menu doesn't offer hamburgers.

An Indian restaurant that offers hamburgers? *Shudder*

I would be curious to see what you consider authentic Mexican. Yes I'm showing a regional bias

On the other hand, I'm not sure I could find a poutine if I tried. That's a thing where you live right?

EDIT: Scratch that! I did a google search and there are no less than three places I drive by every single day that claim to have poutines!

[Scuzz]

I have never quite understood the Olive Garden hate. I think it directly corresponds to the ability to get better Italian food in your area.

Probably. I find the responses in threads like this kind of humorous, as OO's demographic (which seems to be largely urban/suburban and moderately well off) shows.

There is one in Terre Haute, about 30 miles from here. For most people, it, along with Red Lobster, is considered a high-end 'fancy' restaurant. People get dressed up to go there and consider it a special occasion. I haven't eaten there in decades, as it is way, way too expensive for me. Of course, I don't eat out much at all because of the price. I could eat at home for two days for what most fast food meals cost. Going to Olive Garden with both kids costs about the same as what my grocery budget is for all three of us for an entire week.

I consider Red Lobster the McDonalds of sea food restaurants. We occasionally get a gift card for Red Lobster and we use it, and I try to like it, and I do think it has improved over the years, but the bar was set so low.

But, in many cities, finding a good sea food place is probably not very easy.

I waited tables at The Lob, as I called it, one summer while I was still in law school. My suggested motto was, "If it swims, we can deep fry it!"

I think the key to eating at Red Lobster is getting the fresh fish prepared simply. It's not going to blow you away, but the fish itself always seemed like good quality. I would often get something with their blackened seasoning.

I had trout last time I was there. Done simply, it was okay.

[Daehawk]

On the other hand, I'm not sure I could find a poutine if I tried.

I started laughing and was about to type a funny line then saw you said 'poutine" and realized it wasn't the word I thought.

[GreenGoo]

I don't believe there is an authentic Mexican restaurant in Ottawa.

Some medium quality Tex Mex. The original Lone Star has pretty good fajitas and I always order a margarita when I'm there.

Lone Star was founded in part by an American who played football in the CFL and specifically for the Ottawa Roughriders. I think it was Belcher, who was a well known player when I was a kid.

[Blackhawk]

Ok, come clean - which one of you works for the Washingotn Post?

All across the country, German restaurants are calling it quits.

I was just reading an article about how German restaurants everywhere are disappearing.

That would be the article I was remember that kicked off this part of the discussion.

[Smoove_B]

I'm following you around the Internet!

[Blackhawk]

I'm following you around the Internet!

From now on, every third site I visit will involve cephalopod porn.

[Daehawk]

I'm following you around the Internet!

From now on, every third site I visit will involve cephalopod porn.

You sound like an interesting person to follow around the internet. Do you have a business card?

[Jeff V]

Ok, come clean - which one of you works for the Washingotn Post?

All across the country, German restaurants are calling it quits.

...

The cuisine’s long history here might be part of the reason, too. It’s “Grandma’s food,” Hauck said. At a time when American eaters seem interested in sampling new-to-them cuisines from around the globe — Native American food is the new poke is the new Uighur is the new Filipino — German food seems stodgy. Not to mention that in the age of Instagram, it suffers from an acute case of brown.

You mean you wouldn't prefer a nice balut over sauerbraten with kraut? I mean, they are both fermented foods, right?

[AWS260]

The Mountain Brauhaus in upstate New York seems to be doing quite well every time I go there. Because of their location, a lot of the clientele is made up of hikers and rock climbers -- the kind of people who would welcome a hearty, heavy German meal after a long day outdoors.

Their menu seems pretty authentically German to me, although they do serve burgers. My favorite dish is the decidedly inauthentic Reuben strudel ("corned beef, sauerkraut, Gruyère & Swiss cheeses wrapped in thin pastry, with horseradish sour cream & Russian dressing").

[Kraken]

Within a short drive, we have:

Campanale's: a family owned restaurant that's been around since Sacco and Vanzetti's alleged robbery/murder took place nearby. Make that "Family owned." It was a mob hangout in its day, and might still be for all I know. Camp's is a tired old white-tablecloth place with higher-end food and high prices. It has loyal fans. I am not one.

Maria's: another family-owned place that's been in the same location since 1950 and has probably never redecorated in all that time. Maria's makes all the Italian standards with huge portions at modest prices. In 1979 a Greek family bought the place and expanded the menu to include Greek food. Nobody under the age of 50 ever goes there, because young people are fools. If you want a huge plate of pasta with red sauce and a glass of wine for a good price, Maria's is your place.

Bertucci's: A regional chain. Decent food, but overpriced. I don't go there unless I have a good coupon, but their sporkie is my favorite pizza anywhere.

The Chateau: A smaller, more local chain that's been in business for 60 years. Their toasted ravioli is the bomb and has been on the menu ever since the beginning. This is our favorite. In menu and atmosphere it's probably the most like an Olive Garden, but with better food and fewer children.

Spazio: Wife likes this white-tablecloth place. It's too expensive for me, and they don't have draft beer, so she goes there with her coven.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse: Recently opened at the mall. Never been there because it's very expensive, and the mall is a no-go zone for me.

...plus the expected smattering of pizza joints. And Boston's North End (which tourists adorably call "Little Italy") is a 30-minute T ride away. Once a year or so we go to one of the outdoor festivals they hold nearly every weekend all summer and get street food. Nothing quite like an Italian sausage sub from a popup booth.

You can see why OG can't get much traction around here.

[Isgrimnur]

I hope her coven is less catty than my ex’s was.

[Daehawk]

I hope her coven is less catty than Emmy ex’s was.

Huh?

[gameoverman]

Re: burgers at specialty restaurants.

Because if they don't, people stop going there.

Families where not every member likes Italian will go to Olive Garden if they know that the one person who won't eat food with sauces (and I was married to one once) can get something else. If that person has nothing but breadsticks as an option, they'll go elsewhere.

I was just reading an article about how German restaurants everywhere are disappearing. The ones that stay in business are doing things like adding avocado toast or German themed burgers to their menus. The ones that insist on only traditional foods are going out of business.

I know why they do it, I was just saying me being there and finding out I'm with one of THOSE people makes me want to Hulk smash the table. I'd prefer it if when I said "Italian food sound good?" they reply "No, I want..." instead of "Okay" and then we get there and they order chicken and rice. Kids don't count in this of course, kids can order whatever they want and I'm not bothered at all. My actions and my behavior reflect on the people I'm with, and vice versa. The last thing I want to see is the look on the server's face as he or she listens to that order and looks at me with a "You brought this?" look on their face.

[Daehawk]

I get that man. In the 90s I had a friend that Id ask if he wanted to hit up the steak house with me and would say yes then get there and eat salads. In a steak house with me eating a ribeye and he sits stuffing in salad.

[Isgrimnur]

I hope her coven is less catty than Emmy ex’s was.

Huh?

[Daehawk]

I hope her coven is less catty than Emmy ex’s was.

Huh?

What?

[AWS260]

I hope her coven is less catty than Emmy ex’s wasican restaurant.

Huh?

What?

[Blackhawk]

I know why they do it, I was just saying me being there and finding out I'm with one of THOSE people makes me want to Hulk smash the table. I'd prefer it if when I said "Italian food sound good?" they reply "No, I want..." instead of "Okay" and then we get there and they order chicken and rice.

Having been quite close to some of 'those' people, I can tell you that the last thing they want is to have their unusual eating habits take options away from other people. This is especially true when they realize that someone hanging out with them regularly means that person would rarely ever be able to go to some of their favorite restaurants. Even more so when it is family and their habits essentially block their loved ones from favorite foods.

They'd much, much rather have chicken and rice and just enjoy the company than have a different food and feel bad about it all the time.

[stessier]

I know why they do it, I was just saying me being there and finding out I'm with one of THOSE people makes me want to Hulk smash the table. I'd prefer it if when I said "Italian food sound good?" they reply "No, I want..." instead of "Okay" and then we get there and they order chicken and rice.

Having been quite close to some of 'those' people, I can tell you that the last thing they want is to have their unusual eating habits take options away from other people. This is especially true when they realize that someone hanging out with them regularly means that person would rarely ever be able to go to some of their favorite restaurants. Even more so when it is family and their habits essentially block their loved ones from favorite foods.

They'd much, much rather have chicken and rice and just enjoy the company than have a different food and feel bad about it all the time.

Well said!

[LordMortis]

I know why they do it, I was just saying me being there and finding out I'm with one of THOSE people makes me want to Hulk smash the table. I'd prefer it if when I said "Italian food sound good?" they reply "No, I want..." instead of "Okay" and then we get there and they order chicken and rice.

Having been quite close to some of 'those' people, I can tell you that the last thing they want is to have their unusual eating habits take options away from other people. This is especially true when they realize that someone hanging out with them regularly means that person would rarely ever be able to go to some of their favorite restaurants. Even more so when it is family and their habits essentially block their loved ones from favorite foods.

They'd much, much rather have chicken and rice and just enjoy the company than have a different food and feel bad about it all the time.

Well said!

I am one of THOSE people.

+1. I'd rather eat a burger at a seafood place and be with people I like at a seafood place then ask seafood fans to never eat seafood when I'm around. I will, however, excuse myself from attending at all if you want to eat a traditional Indian or Ethiopian restaurant because there will literally be nothing on the menu that appeals to me.

I'm happy to say "Doesn't matter, they serve burger don't they? I'll find something." at most restaurants. (note, I'm a finicky bitch but I'm not Stess or Coop)

[ImLawBoy]

Re: burgers at specialty restaurants.

Because if they don't, people stop going there.

Families where not every member likes Italian will go to Olive Garden if they know that the one person who won't eat food with sauces (and I was married to one once) can get something else. If that person has nothing but breadsticks as an option, they'll go elsewhere.

I was just reading an article about how German restaurants everywhere are disappearing. The ones that stay in business are doing things like adding avocado toast or German themed burgers to their menus. The ones that insist on only traditional foods are going out of business.

I know why they do it, I was just saying me being there and finding out I'm with one of THOSE people makes me want to Hulk smash the table. I'd prefer it if when I said "Italian food sound good?" they reply "No, I want..." instead of "Okay" and then we get there and they order chicken and rice. Kids don't count in this of course, kids can order whatever they want and I'm not bothered at all. My actions and my behavior reflect on the people I'm with, and vice versa. The last thing I want to see is the look on the server's face as he or she listens to that order and looks at me with a "You brought this?" look on their face.

If your server is giving you that kind of look, you either need to adjust your tip accordingly or start going to places with better servers.

What's wrong with people getting what they want?

[Isgrimnur]

Tell that to the people with Celiac disease getting hassled because of the gluten-free trend.

[AWS260]

What's wrong with people getting what they want?

Indeed. This is how a truly high-class restaurant handles it.

How do I explain myself? No, I’m not Jewish. As a child, my dad took us to a pig farm where I held and fed a piglet from a baby bottle. On the way home, we stopped for dinner and my Dad ordered a pink, dinner plate sized slab of ham. So no pork for me. But I eat beef. Probably because I’ve never held a calf. But it must be cooked to Medium Well perfection. And chicken? Sure, so long as it’s overcooked, off the bone, white and cubed. But nothing else. I mean, I eat fish. But again, it can’t look like fish. And it must be covered in sauce. I eat like a child. Shake Shack is right across the street. It’s my favorite restaurant. Am I the worst diner you’ve ever had? I’m so sorry.

As Emily and I were hashing out my dietary restrictions, our conversation began to feel like a medical intake. She was taking notes. Reassuring me. Asking questions. And I started thinking to myself, this woman is a professional. With impeccable handwriting. I could talk to her. She cared for me in that unobtrusive way doctors care for their patients. She put me at ease. I didn’t want to run away. I wanted to stay.

[ImLawBoy]

My wife is gluten free (not celiac, but what the doctor calls a "wheat intolerance") and vegetarian. I like to make reservations using OpenTable when we go out so that I can include her restrictions in the note. The better places make note of this and are prepared when we arrive.

[GreenGoo]

What's wrong with people getting what they want?

Because the place isn't known for grilled cheese sandwiches with fries?

Expecting a restaurant to serve whatever you want rather than what's on the menu is a bit overly demanding in my opinion. The kitchen is organized in such a way as to facilitate fast preparation of the menu items. Sure, little things can be made quickly and easily (buttered noodles for the kiddos) but other things may not be.

If it's on the menu then it's up for ordering, obviously. If a server looks at you funny because you ordered something on the menu, then he probably needs an attitude adjustment.

[ImLawBoy]

What's wrong with people getting what they want?

Because the place isn't known for grilled cheese sandwiches with fries?

Expecting a restaurant to serve whatever you want rather than what's on the menu is a bit overly demanding in my opinion. The kitchen is organized in such a way as to facilitate fast preparation of the menu items. Sure, little things can be made quickly and easily (buttered noodles for the kiddos) but other things may not be.

If it's on the menu then it's up for ordering, obviously. If a server looks at you funny because you ordered something on the menu, then he probably needs an attitude adjustment.

Who's talking about ordering off the menu? If the place is known for great BBQ, but they still have grilled cheese on the menu, then someone should feel free to order the grilled cheese.

Now, when you're talking about dietary restrictions (self-imposed or otherwise), most restaurants are happy to figure something out. If they don't have something that fits the restrictions as it's normally prepared, they'll usually be able to make an adjustment (omit meat, leave off the breadcrumbs, etc.). We have had restaurants offer my wife something completely off-menu, too. Restaurants are a service industry. There's more of a problem if a restaurant doesn't want to make accommodations to please a diner than if they do.

[Blackhawk]

Expecting a restaurant to serve whatever you want rather than what's on the menu is a bit overly demanding in my opinion.

I wasn't under the impression that anyone was suggesting otherwise. The original criticism being responded to was specialty restaurants having 'common' non-specialty foods on the menu (like burgers at Olive Garden), and people going to those specialty places and ordering those non-specialty foods.

[GreenGoo]

Who's talking about ordering off the menu? If the place is known for great BBQ, but they still have grilled cheese on the menu, then someone should feel free to order the grilled cheese.

Sorry, "ordering off the menu" is short for "ordering off of the menu". Perhaps it's a regional thing, I don't know. Maybe it's idiosyncratic to me alone. In any case, I meant "order from the menu".

As for items on the menu, clearly I agree, as my last post stated.

While it's clear that Blackhawk is referring to odd menu items like burgers at a fish joint, it is not as clear that gameoverman is speaking about the same thing. Rice and chicken would be an especially odd item to have on the menu of a fish joint, for example.

[Jeff V]

Rice and chicken would be an especially odd item to have on the menu of a fish joint, for example.

Not if it was a Filipino fish joint.

[ImLawBoy]

Who's talking about ordering off the menu? If the place is known for great BBQ, but they still have grilled cheese on the menu, then someone should feel free to order the grilled cheese.

Sorry, "ordering off the menu" is short for "ordering off of the menu". Perhaps it's a regional thing, I don't know. Maybe it's idiosyncratic to me alone. In any case, I meant "order from the menu".

Probably my fault because I started saying "off menu" without being more specific. It should probably be "off-menu" to refer to something that is not on the menu (adding the hyphen).

As for items on the menu, clearly I agree, as my last post stated.

While it's clear that Blackhawk is referring to odd menu items like burgers at a fish joint, it is not as clear that gameoverman is speaking about the same thing. Rice and chicken would be an especially odd item to have on the menu of a fish joint, for example.

Red Lobster.

Rice is not an uncommon side dish for the token non-fish options at a fish place, as I know from working at Red Lobster, so I did not assume that he was referring to an "off-menu" item.

[GreenGoo]

Sure. Great. Does Red Lobster offer a chicken and rice dish?

edit: Yes, if you like shrimp in it. It should be a relatively simple thing to hold the shrimp.

In any case, I assumed he was talking about non-menu items, and you assumed he was talking about menu items. Our points diverge based on those assumptions.

[ImLawBoy]

Sure. Great. Does Red Lobster offer a chicken and rice dish?

Stop deleting your posts as I'm responding to them - it's confusing.

I thought I was trying to address where the confusion was about why you and I were talking about different things (and I thought I was doing so in a respectful manner). I already made the substantive point I wanted to make about ordering things that might not be standard menu items earlier.

[GreenGoo]

Stop deleting your posts as I'm responding to them - it's confusing.

I'll delete any post I want that does not have a response at the time. You'll survive.

My edit pre-dated your response, or at least my viewing of it.

Order from the menu or ask for something that isn't on the menu and hope they accommodate you. Some places will, some won't and some places will set unusually high prices for it.

I think we're good.

[ImLawBoy]

Lighten up, Francis.

My comment about deleting was meant to be a joke, as I thought was obvious. (And if I'm missing your joke in response, I'll go ahead flog myself.)

Really, I'm not sure what's got you so pissed at me, but I guess I'll survive.

[GreenGoo]

It wasn't a joke but neither was it meant in anger, just an explanation of my deleting habits. If it has been responded to, I'll usually use the strike out tags.

I'm not pissed, and any disagreement at all is based on different starting assumptions, so there really isn't any disagreement at this point.

[Daehawk]

Well this thread has gone places I had no idea or wanted it to go. I must be using Google Maps.

[ImLawBoy]

Hey, I like Google Maps! I use it as my default GPS on my phone.

Let's see if I can find directions to the nearest Red Lobster . . . .