Originally Posted by
JerryFF
When I went to a new restaurant, or even one I'd been to before, I occasionally asked the server for suggestions. They usually didn't pan out for me, probably as much because of personal taste differences than anything else, but maybe not just that.
Recently, I have read several articles that servers are instructed what to say if asked, or even if not, because they restaurant needs to push certain dishes, either to use up leftovers, get rid of overstock, or because they got a good deal from their supplier.
Occasionally I get a god recommendation, but it is so hit-and-miss that a random request just doesn't seem worth it. The only case where it seems to work is if you go back to the same place and a server gets to know you and your tastes.
I wonder if other people have had different experiences and if so, what is their secret.
Restaurants really don't work like that. There's no screaming magic deal from a steak supplier. They're getting things from large food distribution channels. It's not like the Manager's Special part of your grocery story.
The people serving you are people. It's not like they're going to lie to your face about things. In any decent restaurant, they've eaten the food and probably dined there. Their opinions are their own. The owners don't have a lot of control about things and neither do chefs. What a server says and what the chef says are two different things. One of them is well paid, involved in many facets of the business, knows the customer really well and is immediately compensated if you're happy. The other cooks the food.
I do let them know I have a bad shellfish allergy; and I am trying to choose between X and Y. If they are paying attention, they can usually steer me in the right direction. I am also very grateful, as others have pointed out, for servers who quietly let me know not to order a particular dish.
Communicating your allergy has more to do with avoiding cross contamination than menu choice. If you're in a place with a dish like that, then you've picked the wrong place to eat. No owner or kitchen who has a clue is going to have a dish like that on a menu.