We don’t eat out at restaurants very often, but when we do, I’m blown away by how large the portion sizes are. I typically find myself eating out while on vacation {for obvious reasons!}, so I’m lucky that The Girl is always with me because we love to share meals.
Sharing meals is perfect in so many ways, not the least of which is I actually end up eating the correct portion size. If you dine out and split a meal, you’ve automatically cut 50% off your bill. I might not be good at math, but that one wasn’t rocket science. If we both order water {which we both prefer with our meals over soda}, we can usually get out of a restaurant for the price of one diner.
Seems like a pretty darn simple way to save if you find yourself eating outside your own kitchen.
Do you think that’s crazy? Not really the sharing type? Or do you have a sharing buddy when you dine out, too?
~Mavis
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Terri Trepanier says
I go out usually with the hubby and we both unfortunately don’t like the same things, but I always take about half of my meal for my lunch the next day. That works too, by not having to pack something, just my piece of fruit I have with lunch. Love your postings!
Mavis says
Saves the same amount of money! And then you get to enjoy great food 2x!
RebekahU says
Mavis! I just saw you on Mama Minutia!!! 🙂 Have a fun trip!
Camille says
I had to smile when I saw you over at Jennifer Jo’s…in person!! Hugs to you! Camille
christine says
I would feel bad for the wait person if he or she is serving two people but only getting tipped for one meal!
Mavis says
We always tip a little extra because of that. Still saves me money!
Blynda A. says
Bravo, Mavis, re. the extra tipping! Our fam has done all sorts of meal “sharing” over the years, and always tip approximately the amount we would had we all ordered complete meals. It’s certainly kind to the waitperson (we do this if we have “buy one, get one free” meal coupons as well), and we are still saving PLENTY of money : )
Mavis says
Some people balk at “over tipping.” I don’t really view it as over tipping at all, but even if you view it that way, I just think that it’s the right thing to do. And in my experience, doing the right thing will always come back to you in the end!
Jen Y says
My husband & I split meals all the time. If we want something different then we ask for a to-go box to put half our meal in & take home. We love leftovers.
Practical Parsimony says
My friend is adamant about not sharing. We would not like the same meals anyway. He orders beef and I want chicken. However, I put half my meal in a go box and have it later in the evening or the next day for lunch or dinner.
Tisha says
Well, if a 1/2 lb green chile bacon burger is just $2 more than then 1/4 lb, we order the 1/2 lb and split. But, if we have different hankerings we do not split and just take some home, after all, the treat of the restaurant is everybody being able to get what they want but that is also why dining out is a rare thing.
Wendy Phelps says
Hi, two of my friends spent time in your country last when they went over to America for the Houston quilt fair. The were amassed at the size of the meals and drinks, like you the said they could have served several people from their plate. Regards Wendy
Pam says
Hubby and I have a different approach…..we both like the same thing and generally order similar meals. He’s a big man and eats a lot (he works hard too so the extra calories don’t sit). So he eats his meal and half of mine rather than ordering 2 meals. My daughter and I always split. And since she and I have both spent time waitressing, we always tip well.
Mavis says
Sounds like a great approach!
Rebecca says
Hi Mavis,
This is a good tip from Weight Watchers also – – – WW suggests asking for a take out box as soon as your food arrives and then putting half in the to go box so you eat the correct portion size.
Regards,
Mavis says
This is a genius idea. Take the temptation away immediately!
Beks says
When I was in college, there was a Thai restaurant that my friends liked to go to. It was on the pricey side, so I rarely went, but when I did, I got my pad thai spicier than I typically like it, because it caused me to slow down eating, which helped me to listen to my body, and stop eating when I was full, thus, stretching my meal into 2-3 meals. This made the cost of $15 pad thai about $5-7/meal.
Mavis says
I’m too much of a pansy when it comes to spice to try this method. But sounds effective!
Kate says
My husband and I almost always split. I read somewhere that if you’re still hungry, you can always order more food. It works for us, but we always tip like we both ordered something.