Goldminer1
Footballguy
This sort of thing drives me crazy, especially in a "not-special" meal scenario. Eating at Applebees with the family isn't a big deal. We shouldn't be expecting Michelin level food and/or service, and that is fine.The other parts of dining out with people just are what they are imo. Learn to deal.I have a friend who I absolutely loathe dining out with because she cannot order something off the menu as is. She is the world’s most picky eater and she has no idea how insulting some of her requests are to the chefs.
But we have one of these in our friend group, and she drives me mad. She gets left off of invites on occasion because she's so high maintenance. I cringe every time she goes to order. You just know what's coming.
"This Chef Dave's Fried Nashville Hot Chicken Breast... is that white meat? Uh-huh. And can they bake it instead of frying it? No? Wow, OK. Well is it spicy? I can't really do spicy foods. Oh. Is there any way to get it without being dipped in the sauce? You have a grilled chicken sandwich? No, why would I want that? Just bring me the turkey club with no mayo or bacon. And if you have ham instead of turkey, that would be great.
*30 seconds after meal is set down*
"I had no idea this would have tomato in it or come on toast. Can you just box it up for me? Maybe my daughter will eat it."
*headexplodes*
If you go to a place that is $150 per person, and you get a bad piece of chicken? Sure, say something (courteously), but even then at a "nice" place, I feel like all the special ordering instructions and special requests, are almost insulting to the chef. Maybe just take the guy's word for it, that the way they make it, is the best way, and if you don't like the way they make this dish, then order something else, rather than trying to substitute your way to something that you won't like anyway.
The dishes are prepared and cooked in a certain way for a reason, it may be for speed, or flavor or whatever, but my guess is they know how to do it better than your annoying relative does. If there are legitimate dietary/health restrictions? Fine, but be prepared, know what the deal is before going into the restaurant, have an idea of what you might want before you even sit down. If you need clarification? Ask before you order. Don't blindly order and then be "surprised" when the chicken has cream sauce on it.
I just think a lot of this comes down to having reasonable expecations of the place you're eating at. Which goes both ways. A reasonable expecation at a "fancy" restuarant is that the chef knows what they're doing. A reasonable expecation at Waffle House, is that it will be a faster dining experience than the hipster breakfast place down the street, that serves their take on chicken & waffles and got a lot of attention on a local foodie blog.