Ask George: When is it not acceptable to ask for a doggie bag at a restaurant? —Kim M., St. Louis
Due to the ongoing popularity of small and shared plates, doggie bags are not as prevalent as they used to be, but they're far from extinct: Brown paper bags, Styrofoam clam shells, eco-friendly to-go ware, and even old-school aluminum foil swans are still seen at restaurants all over town.
In the U.S., the pressure to clean one’s plate has been present since our youth. Doggie bags might be an extension of that philosophy, combined with the huge portions served in many restaurants. (In Europe, portions tend to be smaller, so the doggie bag dilemma is less common.)
Here, there are diners who wouldn’t dream of asking for a doggie bag under any circumstances and others who order a large entrée specifically to ensure having leftovers for an additional meal the next day. Still others will throw in table bread, garnishes, sweetener packets, and even ask for a little extra sauce. But that’s a separate etiquette problem.
Nowadays, asking for a doggie bag is appropriate in almost all dining situations. Servers expect it and no longer consider it an inconvenience.
If attending a professional business meal, however, many guests feel uncomfortable asking for a doggie bag, especially when someone else is paying (unless the host asks for one first, of course). When dining with business associates, asking a server to wrap up leftovers is common and completely acceptable.
And remember: Even if leftovers aren’t your thing, other family members might appreciate the gesture—including Fido.
If you have a question for George, email him at gmahe@stlmag.com.
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