Do you share food at restaurants?

Okay, so we've all been there, right? Staring down a massive menu, knowing you want to try a bit of everything, or just trying to keep the bill down when dining out with a big group. The age-old question pops up: 'Should we just share?' It feels like a simple idea, especially when you see dishes that could feed a small army – I'm looking at you, Cheesecake Factory portions! I remember one time, trying to split a meal there with my family of 6. It felt like a genius move to save money and prevent food waste, but then you start wondering about the logistics and, more importantly, the etiquette. From my experience, sharing meals can be a lifesaver, especially if you're exploring new cuisines or just want to sample a few appetizers without committing to one huge entrée. Places like a good Asian diner, perhaps even somewhere like Tott's Asian Diner (if they have family-style dishes!), are practically designed for sharing. You order a few plates for the table, everyone gets a little taste, and it makes for a super social and fun dining experience. However, it's not always sunshine and roses. I've heard stories, and even experienced a few awkward moments, especially when servers are involved. Think about it from their perspective – they're still doing the work of serving multiple people, even if you're only ordering one or two main dishes. The OCR mentioned a server saying 'that would've pissed me off. That's ridiculous and u can't be full.' This really hits home. While we're trying to be economical, our choices can sometimes impact their livelihood. This brings us to the sticky topic of tipping. If you're splitting a $30 meal between three people, and the typical advice is to tip on the total bill, what's fair? The OCR even brought up 'So at 22% a $6 tip would be fair?' It's a valid question! My personal rule of thumb is to always tip based on what the bill would have been if everyone ordered their own main, or simply to be extra generous if I know I’ve made their job a bit harder by requesting extra plates or specific splitting instructions. A good server works hard, and their service contributes hugely to our dining experience. So, next time you're out, consider these points. Sharing food can be fantastic for trying new things, managing portion sizes, and enjoying a communal meal. Just be mindful of the restaurant's policy (some have sharing fees!) and, most importantly, consider your server. A little extra tip goes a long way in showing appreciation, and it ensures everyone – including the staff – has a pleasant experience. It's all about finding that balance between enjoying your meal and being a considerate diner!