Dos and Don'ts of Dining Out | News | CW33 Dallas/Fort Worth

Dos and Don'ts of Dining Out

Tips to make your next restaurant meal seem home-cooked

by Barry Carpenter, CW33 News at Nine

April 29, 2008

We Texans love to eat. In fact, Dallas has more restaurants per person than New York City. But eating out isn't always what it's cracked up to be. But don't worry; I'm on the case.

Dining out choices in Dallas; our cup runneth over. But food expert Brandon Alarcon says that even with a bounty of food, there are dining out secrets everyone should know. "The best place to sit in a restaurant is, of course, nowhere near a restroom," he says.

That is one to live by. But Brandon's other tips are more subtle, including getting to the restaurant early so you won't get caught in the "churn and burn." Brandon says, "The restaurants make their money by turning tables and what it is, is they want you in and they want you out of that table as soon as possible."

Brandon also says diners should ask their server questions; you can tell a lot by their answers. "Ask them what do you like? What do you suggest? My thing is if the waiter says everything is good, then they obviously don't know their menu," he says.

And pay attention to what others are eating; if many people are ordering the same thing, it's probably good, but also pay attention to how much they eat. Brandon suggests, "Look around and if there are plates still full of food and people are walking away, obviously you probably shouldn't order that item."

And if you're worried about a clean kitchen, just check the restroom; if it's clean, the kitchen is probably clean, too. "If not," says Brandon, "then grab yourself a bottle of Pepto Bismal and hope to God you don't get sick."

When it comes to menus, Brandon says restaurants can be sneaky. "You see the meats right here in the middle?" he asks, looking at a menu. If it's a one-page menu, the money makers are placed where you'll see them first. "You're eyes are automatically going to focus on the center of what is on that menu, so they are going to put their most profitable items on there for you to buy; they are going to control what you order," he says. If it's a two-page menu, the money-makers are on the top right corner.

From the time you sit down to when your food is delivered should take about 15 to 20 minutes.

And finally, if you don't like your meal, be brave. "If you're in a nice restaurant and not a hole in the wall, don't be afraid to send it back, you are paying for the food; you are the reason they are there," Brandon says. He also says don't worry; the chef won't do anything to your food.

Don't feel you have to tip 20%; that's for service above and beyond the call of duty.

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