It works. It’s a simple solution to higher food costs–shrink the plates–offer some excitement. Introduce a new menu with small plates, or happy hour specials, or a new bar menu. These are all strategies that have worked in the past and are making a welcome return to the present. Oh, yeah, also reduce the prices. That’s the combo you want to sell.
Look at The Cheesecake Factory whose portions are so large that Weight Watchers could just set up a booth at each location. Why cater to our obesity problems? Their new solution is simple: the introduction of smaller plates and lower prices--the small plate and snack menu.
Neighborhood places are jumping on the bandwagon of small plates. Here’s a new one: a Washington, DC restaurant, Ardeo, has introduced “middle plates”. Not that small but not as big nor as expensive as an entree portion.
Restaurants throughout the country are expanding their bar menus to offer more food options in a different setting at a lower price point. It works well in New York with some in the Tom Colicchio empire and seems to be a winning formula to fill a space with drinkers who also dine.
Bring it On.
Diners are ready.
opens this summer near the White House (the former Hotel Washington) would have big name talent–
How about that awkward moment when three people tried not to feel intimidated about eating and the fourth kept saying it’s OK, mine will be here soon.
Every game has a set of rules. Dining out is no different. There are multiple players, both on the restaurant side and the diner’s side. Which one has the home team advantage or who wins depends on how the game is played. Since this is a two-party system of server and diner, the experience need not turn into fast food.
the food capital and are regarding this good news as an outcome that will impact their market soon.
Sounds like an odd header, but in the restaurant world, it applies. Take a Washington, DC area landmark like the family-owned 
, buying local, focusing on food miles, and buying in season, that it’s time to dig into the concept on our own. In most parts of the country, you can get the soil ready without too much of a worry of another frost. If your area is still susceptible to a nightly temperature drop, then keep the seeds in the garage or a sheltered place before considering ground planting.
Just a regular steak knife does not seem big enough to slash prices at many steak restaurants. 
the dishwasher. It’s simple: I like to unload the dishwasher, see my reflection in the sparkle of the silverware, and get on with my day. Now, I inspect each utensil carefully and look at the plates and glasses to see if they need round two. I am most likely using more water than ever before; definitely way more elbow grease. This is an example when going green costs significantly more.