Eating out

[Spectatrix]

I know some people on here eat out and talk to the waiter or chef or have "what I can eat" index cards to give to the chef so that they can have raw meals specially prepared for them rather than just eating a plain old salad. My question is, what places are most receptive to that? Do you do that mainly small mom 'n' pop places or are chain restaurants usually fine with that too? Do you usually call ahead to talk to a manager about your dietary needs or do you just go in normally?

[rachelmh]

I eat at chains, small places, country clubs, etc. I have never had a problem. Alissa says to read the entire menu in a restaurant even though you aren't ordering the dishes in those forms. You can usually pick out ingredients that are OK to eat -- pecan crusted something or other -- ask for pecans on your salad. Pesto sauce -- ask for the pine nuts for your salad. You would be surprised. I always order the grilled or steamed veggies raw and throw them on top of my salad. It's great!

[codajess]

I don't use the index cards. I think they make it more dramatic than it needs to be. I just ask if they have a raw fruit bowl and a raw veggie tray.

[ShelShel]

I eat out everywhere...and they are all very helpful. (Even Pizza Hut!) No, I don't use cards or anything. Most of the places I eat out at...I've gone to for years...and so, I know what I'm going to get before I ever go in. Some places are tricky though...so, I wouldn't ask what is in a salad...because I have found that some people don't look at cheese and croutons as extras...they forget to tell you they are on the salad. :rolleyes: So, when in doubt...tell them what you want. (Like...I would like your garden salad with only greens, tomato, and cucumber. That's it.) They are usually surprised, but honor the request. ;)

[Spectatrix]

Pizza Hut, eh? :D There I assume you'd get a salad topped with some of the raw pizza toppings (mushrooms, pineapple, bell pepper, etc.)?

[ShelShel]

Actually, I don't get the pineapple...I assume it isn't fresh. LOL But,yes, salad with veggie lover pizza toppings (minus the olives). You can stay raw and still eat out with friends and fam. (Is it perfect...organic...yumminess...nope...but it's raw and it works in a pinch!) :p

[Spectatrix]

Oh duh, of course the pineapple is canned. :rolleyes: Silly me!

[Dimond]

I just look at the menu and create my own salad based on the items they have. That's the only thing I'll order now when I eat out. If I was going to a more expensive/fancy place, I may find out if they can create something more exciting.

[levamssg]

I eat out in a variety of places, and find most everywhere can make you a plain salad. Many places love the challenge of coming up with an "entree" salad filled with raw veges, attractively arranged -- and come up with some wonderful creations! I generally have an orange in my purse -- that way I can squeeze it over my salad for dressing if nothing else is available.

However, when possible, I tuck a baggie in my purse with some chopped veges that are marinated in a bit of olive oil, apple cider vinegar and spices. (This only takes a few minutes to make up before I leave home). I add it to the salad I'm served (if it is a small lettuce salad only). The marinate acts as a great dressing, and the veggies add a lot to plain lettuce/tom/cuke.

[rawpriestess]

I've asked at McDonalds and received a gorgeous salad, and I've asked at a super fancy shmancy restaurant, and they didn't do nearly as nice, but they did try.


One of the best places I ever ate was a tiny little Mexican restaurant and they brought out a huge platter of veggies, and they only charged me $2.00

[Spectatrix]

Hrm, does anyone try having something other than a plain salad when eating out?

[ShelShel]

There is a restuarant that we go to maybe three times a year...but when we go I get the veggie fahita. (not sure if I spelled that right.) Usually it would come out smoking, but instead...they serve it to me cold with all the veggies cup up nicely...peppers of all colors, onions...tomato...avacado. It's wonderful. I just don't use the shells. Again...it's veggies, but it's not a salad. ;) I think the hardest thing to get at a restuarant is a dessert...because so seldom do they have fruit.
A different restuarant I used to go to...actually sold bananas along with everything else...so, I could consider that dessert if I still craved a sweet after my big salad.