July 9, 2006

View Comments | Post Comment

Appetizer versus Entree

There is one major inconsistency among restaurants that pains me to no end...and that is the definition of an appetizer. Typically, I groan about the fact that the fried shrimp basket that I want for my dinner is in the appetizer section even though it comes with a side of fries (an appetizer with a side? this makes no sense - it is now an entree and should be labeled as such), but then I eat it, become full, and go home content. You see, when an entree is listed as an appetizer, the labeling is simply a matter of semantics. My groan is only because I feel funny ordering an appetizer for my entree, as if it is not a proper meal.

However, last night, I ate at Sweet Basil, one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Eugene. They have monthly specials that are added to the menu via a paper insert. On the July specials list was a food called Hor Mok. Now, I am not a Thai food expert, so I was not sure what this was by name, but the description of the special sounded great - shrimp with basil leaves in a red curry/coconut milk sauce. Seeing the word "curry", and seeing no notation of "appetizer" for this dish, I ordered it, excitedly expecting a great curry dish with a side of rice. This was no regular curry dish, however. Hor Mok is an appetizer. It consisted of 8 shrimp, each in a little cup covered in the red curry/coconut milk, and sitting atop a basil leaf. It was delicious, but in no way made a meal. To further my confusion, this appetizer was more expensive than my boyfriend's entree.

So my point is this: if it makes sense for people to eat it as a meal, I would feel better if it were listed as such, but I will probably let it slide since I will be happy and full. But if something is an appetizer, please please please list is as one!

Posted by Cara Bohon at July 9, 2006 9:29 PM | Comments (2) | EatFoo 1.0 Posts


Comments

Post a new comment


And all this will probably get more confusing by the FDA which is pushing to have restaurants split portions into half sizes and full meals, to combat obesity.

Posted by: Andy D. at July 10, 2006 10:45 PM


But I would love split portions and half sizes - and they should all be listed under entrees, not appetizers. Many restaurants in Europe (or at least Germany) already do this, and I think it is a great idea, particularly for combating obesity, and also just helping people like me who can't eat a full meal at a restaurant most of the time.

Posted by: Cara Bohon at July 11, 2006 12:47 AM

Post a new comment