[thechat] Presentation of food

[Hugh Blair]

> I'd prefer a hearty meal, however, and generous portions.
>
> What are your thoughts?

Do both. It also bugs me when presentation is the focus of the
dish, but food should satisfy 3 things:

1 - Looks great
2 - Smells great
3 - Tastes great, feels great on the palate

You don't need to serve enough to 'stuff' your patrons, but
you also don't want to leave them empty and unsatisfied. There's
a balance somewhere in the quantity. But just as it bugs me
when the quantity is too little, it also bugs me when the
serving is just too damn much. Many Chinese restaurants here
tend to do that.

Start where you feel comfortable. Then watching what comes
back to the kitchen is as important as watching what goes
out.

Are your patrons returning food uneaten? Why? Did you serve
too much, or was it not to their liking?

Are your patrons returning NO food on their plates? Have you
served enough? Or are they just ravenous for every drop? Ask
them; drop by a few tables and do more than just ask "is
everything ok?". Don't but them for minutes, but a few well
crafted questions will tell you volumes.

Hugh