>Well it's certainly not the norm but it is more prevelant than it was. I agree most restaurant appetizers are as big as a regular meal <

I believe their are two factors involved in this. First, many restaurants use their appetizer menu as if it were an a la carte listing. You'll notice how often the appetizers and the entrees are the same dishes, for instance, especially in the chain restaurants. So the so-called appetizer is actually the same as the entree, but without all the go-withs.

The second factor is that restaurant managers often think they have to make their appetizers large in order to justify the prices they charge.

All of which, unfortunately, spills over into many of the specifically small-plates type restaurants. I know of one, for instance, in which three mini-burgers is considered a small-plate serving. Yeah, it would be, if I had two other people to share it with!

[QUOTE=I know of one, for instance, in which three mini-burgers is considered a small-plate serving. Yeah, it would be, if I had two other people to share it with![/QUOTE]

I hear you. I'm not saying it's problem solved but at least now there is some small possibility of getting a healthy decent sized meal where before it was not in any way possible.

One of my favorite ways of eating out has always been to go w/ a friend- or a group, and just sit in the bar and enjoy/share several apps. I feel I get my desire for varied tastes satisfied in this manner- and get to see more ideas on plate presentation, etc.

Another thing I like is when an entree salad menu offers a half-portion option. Many times I like to order something beyond a regular tossed salad to go w/ my steak or chicken.

I have nothing at all against large portions- in fact, there's nothing I like more than being able to take something home for breakfast or lunch the next day- or a bite of fish for the kitties to nibble on when I get home!

You're right. Leftovers are good. Unfortunately, it's hard to order just about anything in a restaurant nowadays and not have them.

Me, I'd rather have a reasonable portion, that I can comfortably finish at the table.

Fact is, I produce enough leftovers of my own without having to add more from a restuarant.

Sunday was a good example. A buddy and I did an Earthday presentation at a community college about 1 1/2 hours from here. So we'd decided that the four of us would just go out to eat when we got back to Lexington. Went to an Olive Garden (only the second time I've ever been in one of those, and can't remember anything about the first visit).

Friend Wife and I figured on sharing the calimari "appetizer." Uh, huh. All four of us ate from it. And as to the entrees: I brought home about half of mine. Friend Wife actually had more of hers in the take home box than she'd eaten in the restaurant.

There's just no sane reason for portions that size, IMO.