But there is another sort of anxiety – the one arising when the server places the leather-bound book of choice in front of you. You definitely do not want to appear as someone naive and inexperienced. On the contrary, you want to show that you know how to read the menu of the restaurant. And the fact is that reading a menu requires much practice and experience.
Ignore the most obvious things. The most expensive and most profitable meals usually attract attention by standing out in the middle of the page, precisely where your eyes are supposed to look. However, the most unusual dishes can be seen on the sides of the menu.
Look for the most expensive ingredients mentioned. Are there truffles? Saffron? Even lobster? Then the dish should be quite expensive. But if the price of the dish is rather suspiciously low, then do not order it because the “truffle” would probably taste like dirty socks. Good quality ingredients cost money.
Learn all the terms used in a kitchen. Such words as “foam,” “deconstructed,” “essence,” “emulsion” or “infusion” always refer to extra air and pretentiousness of the dish. For instance, “confit” just means that the dish was cooked in fat – and it is delicious. “Aioli” is nothing else but mayonnaise. This knowledge will help you to avoid disappointment from the worst dishes.
When the server offers you to clarify something about the menu, then ask him at least one question, for example: “What is the kitchen most proud of tonight?” It will make him think and recommend the most tasteful and fresh dishes. In case he does not know the answer, then order a classic burger. It is really difficult to mess up the burger.
Never order the chef’s special on Mondays. The restaurant weekend rush is over, and that fish has been sitting in the fridge since Friday. Order only the dishes listed in the menu – there is a reason for that.
And finally, order anything you want confidently. There is no point in feeling ashamed of the simple pasta because, in fact, nobody is paying any attention to you. They are busy with thinking about their order.