DEAR ABBY: I'm vegan and make a point of being polite to servers in restaurants. I carefully describe what I would like to eat from their menu. Although they appear to be attentive, half the time they serve me a meal with an added touch -- a scoop of sour cream or sprinkle of cheese on the top.
When it happens, is it fair to send the food back to the kitchen? Or is it better to painstakingly scrape the unrequested item off of my dinner? I don't want to waste food, and I would like my meal prepared to my specifications. Any suggestions? -- VEGAN IN THE WEST
DEAR VEGAN: You have every right to send a meal back if it wasn't prepared the way you requested. You, as the customer, are paying for your food, and you should not have to painstakingly scrape anything off it. Some people with dietary restrictions carry a laminated card with them that lists the foods they cannot eat. It is shown to the chef by the server at the time your order is placed. You may want to try it.