Yes, I am the woman that walks out of a restuarant
The other night I became that woman: the woman that takes one look at a menu and walks back out the door of the restaurant she entered just moments before. “Did someone not greet them? How long were they waiting?” the worried manager quizzed the hostess as I whispered 'thank you' in passing. It was a crisp night and it would have been much easier had we stayed in our booth; but after reviewing the menu, I didn't want to.
The restaurant –which shall remain anonymous- had been recommended to me by an acquaintance. She told me it was a laid back restaurant with great food; food that was very much like one of my favourite places to eat. Karlos and I like to be adventurous and it had sounded like a great place to try for our next date night. That evening, I spent my time getting ready. Other Moms can appreciate the feeling of having time to actually wash and style your hair, apply makeup, and wear a dress without peanut butter somewhere smooshed on it. I was excited to be out on a date for what, very realistically may be the last time in a while. I was, also, very excited to have a great meal.
Our reservation was late in the evening. We arrived right on time and were shown to our seats. The restaurant was a little fancier than I had been led to believe and my beachy grey dress didn’t quite fit the atmosphere, but I wasn't going to let that dissuade me from enjoying the moment. We sat down, chatted for a second and began to review the menu. Within seconds I felt uncomfortable. Not that I don’t enjoy venison, scallops, or prosciutto; but the menu wasn't what I had expected. A few moments passed as we continue to peruse the various offerings while the server arrived with water, suggesting a few more minutes to look over the menus. I looked up: Karlos looked as uncomfortable as I felt. He started asking me if there was anything that piqued my interest. The door, I thought.
I reviewed the menu, again. Maybe, I want a salad. Do I want steak? I kept searching, but didn't see anything on the menu that would satisfy my hunger, let alone leave me satiated until next week’s cheat meal! What was I to do? I could sit here, suck it up, and order something. But, I really didn't want to. Could I do it? Would Karlos? I had never walked out of a restaurant before, even when experiencing the worst customer service. I looked over the menu again. Why would I stay in a restaurant where I am uncomfortable, where the food doesn’t appeal to me, and where I'm going to spend a mortgage payment on food and wine? Why would I waste a night out and my weekly cheat? I looked up at Karlos, “Let’s go.” And, with that, we grabbed our coats to leave 5 minutes in.
I'm not a foodie. I'm not a snob. In fact, I felt terrible for grabbing my jacket and coat and walking out. What I didn't feel terrible about: choosing to go to a different restaurant that I was willing to spend my cheat meal, and my date-night at. In this crazy world where we are so focused on clean eating, following moderation, and practising discipline, I take my cheat meals very seriously. I don’t want to look back at a fun night with my partner-in-crime and be reminded that the night was ruined by an over-expensive meal I didn't really want. I apply this same principal to my meals as I do my chocolate. If I want chocolate, I'm going to get the best dark chocolate I want (ie. 75% dark chocolate and sea salt.) If I want a cheeseburger, I'm going to my favourite cheeseburger joint. Not the Golden Arches. If I really am going to eat something, either on a date or at home, it better be damn good. I don’t want any regrets in my life, and I certainly don’t want to regret the foods that I eat!
We ended up going to the little restaurant around the corner from home: one of my favourite places to eat. It’s intimate. The staff is wonderful. The food is amazing. I was comfortable and my palate, satisfied. We relaxed. That is what a night out is meant to be. That is what a cheat meal is all about: satisfaction. If you want lasting success in the life-long journey of health, you have to stop over-indulging on the slightly satisfying crap and take a bite of the best version of the thing you want. Give in to the craving without substitutions. Your cravings, and your waist-line will thank you.