The scale has not been my friend this holiday season. At the risk of becoming a New Year’s cliche, I’m about to join the masses of folks starting January in moderation.
I’ve toyed with the possibility of having a Dry January, shunning alcohol for the first 31 days of the year. But that seems a little extreme. A Drier January seems more attainable.
As does cutting back on sweets and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into my diet. Discovering bags of shaved Brussels sprouts in the Publix produce helps. Now I have to figure out what other vegetables I can make palatable without adding substantial amounts of bacon.
But as I sit here munching baby-cut carrots and trying not to aggravate my co-workers with the chewing noise, I realize that even a diet of moderation demands the occasional calorie splurge. Luckily, there are dozens of fabulous restaurants in the area just waiting to make your tummy happy.
So here are some tips to get the most out of eating out in 2017.
1. Become a regular.
If you find a place you like, go back. Then go back again. Be nice to the waitstaff and tip well. They’ll get to know your face, then your name, and going out to dinner will become like eating with family. Minus the drama and messy kitchen, of course.
2. Don’t get in a rut. As much fun as it is to walk into a place where everybody knows your name, it’s exciting to try something new. Dozens of restaurants open in Brevard County every year. Break out of your comfort zone. Try bibimbap at a Korean place or Vietnamese pho. You may not like it, but you might find a new favorite.
3. Tip well. Restaurants are hard work, and even if your meal is less-than-perfect, it might not be your server’s fault. Err on the side of generosity. Unless you get a particularly surly server then ...
4. Tell the manager about major problems. A good manager wants to know, and wants to make things right. If you’re just calling the manager over in hopes of getting free food, well, shame on you. But if you have a legitimate beef, seek out the person in charge and calmly, politely tell them what happened. And remember, if you make a scene, the only people you’ll embarrass are your dining companions.
5. Splurge every now and then. Most of us can’t afford high-end dinners every week, or even every month. But at least once a year, it’s worth it to save up and go all out. The service, decor and, of course, the food at fine-dining restaurants make a meal an occasion. Don’t wait for a birthday or anniversary to enjoy the magic created by a truly talented chef.
6. Support mom-and-pop places. Chain restaurants are popular for a reason. They consistently turn out decent food, and when you visit one, you know exactly what to expect. There’s comfort in that. But life is an adventure, and so is eating. It’s a lot more fun if you seek out the unexpected, something you can only get at that little spot down the street.
7. Go ahead and take a picture. Just do it quickly so your food doesn’t get cold. And if you’re in a dim dining room, go easy on the flash photography. Oh, and one other thing: If the food doesn’t look as beautiful in the photo as it did on the plate, think twice about posting it on Instagram.
8. Dress for the occasion. Yes we live in Florida, a place where we have dressy shorts and casual shorts. Still, it’s fun to get dressed up for a night out.
9. Give it one more try. Never say never. Whether it’s a type of food, craft beer or a restaurant that didn’t quite meet your expectations, give it another try. Your tastes may have changed. You may have visited on an off night. Don’t pass judgment based on a single experience.
10. Have fun. Put your cell phone away and enjoy the meal. Tell jokes. Order dessert. If you’re only eating for sustenance, you’re not doing it right.
Happy 2017, and may all your meals be memorable.
Contact Leonard at sleonard@floridatoday.com.