Eating out!

Hi, everyone. I just wanted to pass along some cool tips about restaurant dining. Before surgery, the psychologist I saw for my eval told me, "you will never get your money's worth at a restaurant, but go anyway. The important thing is not the food, but the time you spend with your loved ones." Besides that, if you have a pre-surgery routine of going out to eat, you should be used to spending whatever amount of money at restaurants anyway. Nevertheless, I tend to get a little disappointed when I go to restaurants, because I would look forward to a meal, but then only get to eat a tiny bit of it. I even have a hard time finishing appetizers. I would take my leftovers home, but the food is never as good reheated as it is fresh. Ordering off the kids' menu doesn't work very well either, because (1) I can't have most items, and (2) I don't like most items -- I don't go out to dinner to eat chicken fingers and grilled cheese. So, I thought, there must be a better way... Last week, my family took me out to Copeland's for my birthday. I looked over the menu, and found the perfect meal: their crab claw appetizer (ordered as an entree). It comes in a very buttery sauce, which you can ask for on the side. I was able to finish my crab claws, having passed a few claws and the accompanying bread around the table. My $10 meal was delicious, and I left very happy. Last night, I went to Zea with a bunch of people. I wasn't going to attempt their roasted corn grits (even though they're the most delicious side dish I've ever had) because they're very, very, VERY rich. However, I found a Mediterranean hummus appetizer that seemed really interesting: hummus (protein!) topped with sun-dried tomatoes, diced fresh tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese (extra protein!). So, I ordered it as my entree, and when it arrived, I passed it around the table so that everyone could try some and eat the crispy pita bread triangles that come with it. I was left with a little over half a cup of hummus plus toppings, and was able to eat almost all of it. It was a truly awesome meal, for only $8. Does anyone else have suggestions for restaurant outings, especially for specific restaurants? Are there any menu items that you've found work really well for you post-surgery? I'd love to be able to compile some sort of list to use and distribute as a local guide. Thanks for your help!

Thanks for the suggestions. My husband and I eat out every night and I usually eat a little bit off his plate plus I order a side salad and eat a small amount of that. I just love Copelands but the one on Clearview has not opened yet and I don't like going across the river to the Copelands over there. I will be so glad when the one on the eastbank opens. There is a small cafe in Metairie called Cafe Fresca. I order their soup and salad or their salad and half sandwich. I always order the half chicken salad sandwich. Their chicken salad is so good. I don't eat the bread just the chicken salad. I always have enough chicken salad to bring home and have for lunch the next day at work. Sometimes when we go to a seafood restaurant I order a cup of gumbo with no rice. That really fills me up. Tonight we ate at Chili's and I ordered a cheeseburger and didn't eat the bread. I ate about 1/3 of the meat and was full. I told them to bring a little container of mayo to moisten the meat before I eat it. Lynn J., lap RNY 9/24/04 306/146/135 5' 4"

In this neck of the woods, my DH and I like to eat at Don's Seafood. I usually order the fish, whatever grilled one looks good. Yes, it is a huge portion for me, but It is not expensive ($12.00) and they will substitute the rice/potato for veggies or salad. I usually take about half or better home with me, but find it to be good shredded and fixed like tuna for lunch the next day. We also like to eat at various mexican restraunts in the area and I find that if I order the chicken taco salad, with the sour cream and guacamole on the side, its a good meal and is also inexpensive. My DH and DS will also eat some of it, so I usually don't have to waste much of it (yes, I still take issue with wasting food, I blame my parents for this). I think a local guide is an excellent idea. Could we include the Baton Rouge area? Cindee

Thanks for the ideas, ladies! What I'd like to do is put up a website with local resources throughout Louisiana, so the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette areas, as well as our neighbors in Northern Louisiana (and maybe even the MS Gulf Coast) should and would be represented. Please keep the ideas coming, or e-mail your suggestions. Thanks again!

Thanks so very much for the tips! I absolutely adore Zea's and have always eaten the Mediterranean hummus!!! It is good to know that one day I will be able to have a taste of it again..........as for the best corn grits around......well, one day, maybe, a long time from now. Thanks again for the tips ladies!