DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was at a favorite restaurant where Southern fare is served family-style. Although I was dining alone, all of the food was served in large dishes, with portions for at least two people. Fried chicken, pot roast and several mouth-watering sides were presented.
Although I tried to sample each dish, there was far too much food to eat in one sitting. I assumed I would be able to take the leftovers with me, and envisioned a delicious next-day lunch.
When the meal came to an end, however, the waitress whisked the extra food away and wished me a good night. No “doggy bag” was offered. I paid the bill and left.
I must admit I was a bit perplexed by my experience. The meal was not inexpensive, and I cannot believe that the food served to me was to be reheated and served again. Who was in the wrong here -- myself for expecting to take the food I had paid for, or the restaurant for removing it?
GENTLE READER: Did you ask? Servers can be observant and intuitive, but mind-readers they are not. As your meal was being whisked away, Miss Manners assures you that you could have politely stopped her with, “Oh, I was hoping to take that home. Do you have some sort of container that I could fit it all in?”