Dare to ask: the doggy bag
Not finishing your plate in an American restaurant? Then the waiter will almost automatically bring a brown paper bag your way: the doggy bag. In the Netherlands, this is far less common, which I think is a shame. I say: ‘Everyone gets a doggy bag!’
Maybe it’s because of my mother, who proclaims her motto ‘love food, hate waste‘ all day long. Maybe it’s because, when I find something truly delicious, I immediately want to eat it again the next day. Either way, after many a restaurant visit, I ask for a doggy bag without the slightest embarrassment. And if you keep the following two things in mind, you’ll do the same.
Don’t throw it away
First of all, remember that everything left on your plate goes straight into the bin. No one in the kitchen is going to eat your leftovers later; you’re not doing anyone a favour. So you might as well—and preferably—take it with you. Restaurant staff don’t like throwing food away either; they’ll only be happy that another half-eaten chicken isn’t disappearing into the bin.
Enthusiastic
In addition, asking for a doggy bag shows that you enjoyed the food. The greatest compliment for the chef, right—that you want to enjoy their creation twice? Okay, the greatest compliment would be to eat it all in one go, but asking to take the food home still shows how enthusiastic you are.
Fortunately, more and more people are joining me, but many still feel embarrassed about asking to take their leftovers home. When visiting the local pizzeria or your favourite Indian restaurants, it’s somewhat more common, but as soon as you go more upscale, most people still find it a little odd.
Côte de boeuf sandwich
Now, I’ll admit that I wouldn’t ask to take the dessert amuse-bouche home from a Michelin-starred restaurant either. Although I did have all the leftover cold cuts from breakfast at De Librije packed up. What do I take home? Leftover côte de boeuf, because you always get far too much of it, and the next day, on a sandwich with a generous smear of good mustard, it’s at least as delicious.
Best lunch ever
Leftovers from a drinks platter: cheese, ham, duck rillettes? Perfect as a pre-workout snack the next day. Tip: are you full but still absent-mindedly popping bites into your mouth simply because they’re there? Stop eating when you have just enough left for it to still be a good portion for lunch the next day. You’ll thank yourself, and any colleagues you have will be insanely jealous.
Also read:
