How I Eat: Eating Out

I have a friend who makes healthy choices when he eats out - scallops, fish... he doesn't eat a lot of meat. I, however, since I generally eat pretty healthy on a regular basis, like to take dining out as an opportunity to run a little wild and eat things that we don't make at home.

I'm a carbs girl, so I have to watch myself with the breadbasket in order to save room for the rest of the meal. Instead of ordering a calorific drink, I usually stick with water to save the calories for something yummy. To deal with portion sizes, I give myself permission to take home the leftovers - which sometimes has the side benefit of helping me to save room for something sweet!

Speaking of which, I am also a sweets girl. But rather than the popular chocolate, my tendency is to gravitate towards creamy (think creme brulee, panna cotta) and fruity (ie. apple, lemon) desserts.

One of my favorite food sayings is: Variety is the spice of life! And indeed, it is! I come from a background of family style dining, so I love it when my dining companion is willing to share dishes with me.

Good service is just as important as good food to an enjoyable dining experience. I'm not expecting my napkin to be folded for me when I return to the table (although that is kind of cool - however, that's a whole different tier in service!) - just keep my water filled, don't let me starve between courses, and be generally aware of your tables so I can catch your attention if I need something. And if you openingly share your food opinions when asked, all the better!

How I Eat: Beloved Carbs

I love my carbs...

Pasta! Potatoes! Oh, sweet potatoes! Breads! Quick breads! Cakes! Cookies! Oh boy, I'm in trouble...

Anyhow, here's a list of some of my favorite bready carbs served up by the restaurants around here in the Boston Metro area:
(warning: Chains included and are actually unexpectedly super-represented in this list)

*Cosi - oh, what a flatbread! Great to snack on; great in a sandwich!
*Helmand's fresh baked flatbreads
*Texas Roadhouse's sweet warm golden rolls
*Cheesecake Factory's honey wheat loaf
*Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse's honey wheat loaf (hmmm... is that a theme I sense?)
*Bertucci's Rolls (I love it with their olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese)
*Meritage had a really great roll among its basket choices
*Oasis Brazilian Restaurant - yummy cheesey cheese bread available at the buffet
*Fiorella's cheesy flatbread strips
*Foccacia is great stuff, and Not Your Average Joe's serves a good one, as did Vinny Testa's before they transformed into Vinny T's (they may even still serve it, but the whole roasted garlic bulbs are what sold it)

Perfection is within reach when the bread is served warm to the table, fragrant and inviting...

And then there are some great spreads out there doing their best to steal the show:

*The Publick House's sweet red pepper relish with cottage cheese (super-old experience)
*Appetito's hummus
*La Morra's fresh ricotta
*(and like I said) Vinny T's whole roasted garlic