I was at the hairdressers yesterday (long overdue visit, I can tell you!), and we got stuck into a conversation about food, and in particular what annoys when eating out.
I’ve written, or more likely ranted, recently about how I hate getting tea served in a coffee cup.
When being interviewed for The Restaurant programme I was asked if I had any particular ‘bug bears’ that annoy when eating out, I could think of a few, but actually didn’t mention the tea one in that conversation!
Here are the top ones we came up with yesterday….
- Unseasonal vegetables. There are certain places I have eaten that no matter when you go, at what time of year, the vegetables are carrots, broccoli and cauliflower – with every single main course!
- No vegetables on children’s meals. The dreaded chicken nuggets and chips, or battered fish and chips…. there are some children who will eat and enjoy vegetables – give them a choice.
- Sweet chilli sauce on everything! You know the places… bet you’ve been to them too!
- Silly garnishes! In one establishment I’ve been to, they put 2 cherry tomatoes (uncut) on the plate with every main course…. why?
Want to add to the list? What gets you going when eating out? Would love to hear your thoughts.
A Year In Redwood 
Sachets of ketchup or mayo etc.
Or putting things on the menu that aren’t true to the original name. e.g. Caesar salad made with Iceberg lettuce and bacon!
Inattentive or Indifferent staff.
Portions too big (or too small)
I’m with you on all of those! How difficult is it to make a ketchup, or worse case, put it in a little dish and pretend!
A Restaurant serving Steak should not have “Steak Knives” to tackle the Steaks.A Good Steak can be cut with any knife
@martin… good one! with you on that too!
ah Martin I don’t agree, what about Rib Eye, or Eye of the Round, even Sirlion… they all need streak knives in IMHO. Even though I like my fillets tender (like butter) I dig a good steak knife. Doesn’t annoy me, in fact I’d insist on one!
What does is yes, those little sachets. FS! Buy a bottle of heinze, or make your own.
Iceberg, or even gems in a ceaser. (my fav salad, so I’m a bit of a nazi about it) – in fact i totally concur with Sarah above.
Wait staff who don’t know the food.
Wait staff who don’t come back to check if everything Ok a few minutes after serving the food…. there’s always something.
Paper napkins – should only be available at outdoor events!
A blue fillet straight from the fridge into the pan.
Of course, shoddy craftsmanship… goes without saying.
Rod, can see I’ve got you going on this one!
All great comments!
I could add wait staff who don’t know the wine…. I’ve often been told I don’t like wine so I wouldn’t know!!!!
I HATE the sachets! I love condiments but sachets always seem dirty
and i really hear you on the tea in a mug. Tea is for tea cups and it tastes SO much better from one! Mugs make you feel like you’re just taking a crude injection instead of enjoying something.
i also get my feathers up when a restaurant is unable to alter a dish for some basic food allergies whether its out of laziness, lack of knowledge or the worst of worst: its all pre-made off site…
@Aurea…. I hear you! How difficult is it to put the sauce on the side, or remove the sauce? But so many places as you say have everything made off site!