Get Control of the Plate

You'll thank yourself for it!

Being deliberate with food choices is a personal priority.  To me, it’s not enough to simply "eat healthy.” That saying feels vague and abstract. Instead, I’m focused on closely thinking about what I put on the plate for myself and others as well as what I let others serve me.

In my view, being mindful and selective about what we put in our bodies should be automatic. By now, you probably have figured out that I’m not hooked on restaurants, which is ironic given New York City has so many wonderful ones. When I do eat out, it’s for the experience and NYC delivers on that front.

Take Stardust Diner, the spot in midtown where waiters belt Broadway hits as if their futures depend on it. They served up a great salad with chicken, and if you’ve missed catching a Broadway show, this place is a unique alternative. I heard performances there as good as anything on the Great White Way.

Still, I’m picky about my food. If it’s drenched in sauces, fried, or swimming in butter and oils of unknown origin, I’ll skip it or politely send it back. It’s ok, be picky. At Studio 54, I asked for sauce on the side with the salmon, but it came with a lot of sauce on it. Back it went and the second time around, it was great. One tiny tweak was all it needed.

Have you ever sent a dish back that wasn’t what you expected? Did it come back the way you wanted – or not? Let me know!