Are Asking for Substitutions Wrong at a Restaurant?

Sometimes when you go out to eat you may not find what you want on the menu. Even if you do there might be something that you do not like that come with the entrée. Many restaurants are smothered with special orders and substitutions. Simple substitutions will usually be no problem for the kitchen. Numerous consumers believe that it is rude to ask for a special order. There are many requests that come from customers. Where are you supposed to draw the line? What is too much to ask for? Here is a list of the most comely asked request at a restaurant.

Vegetable Substitution
There is absolutely nothing wrong with asking for a different side dish. There may be a special charge for that. Just because the item you want may be more expensive than the substituted item. The kitchen will be happy to accommodate your special request.

Meat Substitution
The menu comes with catfish but you want a Snapper. Substitution of meat will be a high charge. Expecting it for free is a huge mistake. Remember the menu price calls for one specific item. When you are changing the menu a new price will follow.

Ingredient Substitution
Want no onions in the sauce or soup? Restaurants make sauces and soup in large batches. It is impossible for them to take onions or other ingredients out. However, they may strain the soup for vegetables. The flavor will still be there. If you are allergic to the item do not ask them to take ingredients out because it will be cooked in the broth.

Alcohol Substitution
When you want an alcoholic beverage substitution you will be charged for a full shot of the other alcohol. The cost associated to make that drink has now increased. Do not expect that you should get it for the same cost. You can not go to a dealership and try to buy a BMW for the price of a Toyota.

Complimentary Salad Substitution
The restaurant offers free salad but you want some soup? This is a terrible request. The salad is complimentary for your enjoyment. When you try to substitute that for an appetizer or soup that is impossible. Order you a small bowl if you insist on having soup.

Off the Menu
There will be times that you want to be creative and ask for an off the menu item. You can explain to the server what you want but realize that how you explain it might be totally different than the way the Chef interprets it. Going off the wall and asking for something that is totally not on the menu is also a terrible request.

Chefs will gladly assist you with simple request. However, asking for out of the ordinary might put the kitchen in pressure. If you want to eat something a certain way and want something that is not served at the restaurant I suggest you find a restaurant that serves the food you are looking for.