Question:
Anyone have Success with Them?

Hi, First, let me just say...I love this site!!! Everyone is so kind and helpful. I am in the process of trying to get approved with my insurance so I'm in limbo right now. I've been browsing this website and came across the restaurant cards that you can print out and use at restaurants, must know if there is anyone out there that has been able to use them at a restaurant and what was the reaction you got? Positive or negative.......    — Gina L. (posted on November 29, 2000)

November 29, 2000
I've always had a positive experience with the Restaurant Card my surgeon gives to us. I can order from the Senior Citizens or Childrens menus, no problem. However, what I usually do, instead, is share a meal with my teenage daughter and most of the time (I know this sounds ridiculous) we still need a take-home box!
   — Cindy H.

November 29, 2000
I have a card, but have never used it. Like the previous answer, I usually split a meal with a friend or my children. If no one wants what I want, I'll take it home and eat it later. At business functions, I will eat what I can, move the food around my plate, and have the waiter remove it as soon as etiquette allows. No problems at all.
   — [Deactivated Member]

November 29, 2000
I was going to get a card, but decided I really didn't need one. I eat out now lots more often than I did before. I still save a lot of money cuz I eat so much less now; I often order an appetizer only for my dinner. I just keep in mind what would be convenient to take home & heat up & have two (or three!) meals for the price of one! I have found the servers to always be polite, discreet, & courteous. I've also gotten used to saying "neither, thanks" to the salad or soup question, have become comfortable asking for a burger to be served without a bun, and requesting NO potato, rice or bread. I've never yet felt a need to explain myself or elaborate on why I don't eat more. I have found if you just tell them what you want, or DON'T want, they're accomodating & happy to serve you. I LOVE eating out now!
   — Kathy W.

November 29, 2000
I shared a few months ago about my experience with the card. A few places accepted them, but only after I had to explain in detail what the surgery was, embarrassing myself in the process. At Souplantation in San Diego, I was informed that they would honor it one time only, as they felt it was just another way people "got over" on restaurants. I vowed then I would never eat there again and I haven't. Rather than embarrass myself any longer, I just order whatever I want and ask for a take home box at the same time. The wait person usually looks at me a little funny and I tell them I can't eat much at one time. No problem.
   — Connie G.

November 29, 2000
Hi Gina, Yes, I do carry and show my card at most restaurants that I frequent. Most of my experiences have been positive and most restaurants have been very willing to do what they could to accomodate me with either allowing me to order off of the children's menu, the senior's menu or preparing and serving me half orders (for half price) off of the regular menu. Only one restaurant did not honor the card and the manager felt so bad about not being "allowed" to honor it, that she actually "took care of my meal" for me. Some of the "younger generation" waitresses were a little unsure at first at how to handle it and asked to show it to their manager, and occasionally the manager would then come and speak to me directly, but nearly always they, again, would do all they could to provide a nice meal for me. The more "seasoned" waitresses simply said "okay" and allowed me to order whatever I wanted. Bob Evans has a very nice children's grilled chicken or turkey dinner and the price is great ($1.99). Outback Steakhouse prepared a half order of a delicious chicken dinner for me and didn't bat an eyelash when I still needed a doggie bag to take my leftovers home in. Most children's menus are pretty much the same, however,...hotdogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, pizza...etc...all served with fries, but most of the "nicer" chains are very accomodating with a salad bar at the children's or "add on" price, or preparing half orders. There have been times I've chosen not to show my card, but have ended up paying for a huge meal that I only ended up taking the majority of home for my children to scarf up the minute I brought it through the door...(I didn't even have time to take my coat off!) But do I think it's worth using? You betcha. cj
   — cj T.