Here I am, approaching my 11th “surgiversary”, and I am reflecting on how the world around me has changed over these years. This was brought on by a waiter at The Marriott in Riverside, CA who asked if we wanted bread, rather than just placing it on the table assuming that because it was part of the meal - we wanted it. I thanked him for asking, and told him that no, we didn’t want the bread, because if he put it there - we would eat it. That brought a smile to his face, and the reply that more and more of his customers every day were saying no thank you to bread.
WOW! This made me smile. Eleven years ago, ten years ago, seven years ago, even three years ago I was getting strange looks from waiters and busboys who would bring bread to the table, and then I asked them to please take it away. They would ask at least once if I was sure. Now, my requests for no bread are commonplace and the wait staff is no longer surprised. EXCELLENT! Bread is a trigger food for me, so I appreciate not having it on the table. How about you?
Another change is how restaurants have adjusted their menus to attempt to meet the needs of their patrons, without also giving up the standard oversized portions. I can now either order just an appetizer, or perhaps find something I like on the small bites menus of many restaurants. Yay! This makes my choices easier. I am secure in the fact that I can walk in almost anywhere and find something that is not fried, is appropriate for me to eat, and also tastes good. I can also ask for any dish to be prepared as I want it - no sauce please, or dressing on the side, or can you grill those veggies - instead of sautéing them in butter? You see what I mean. Special requests are no longer unusual. With all of this country’s dietary restrictions from gluten free, low fat, low carb, or whatever most restaurants will do exactly what we ask of them. I am paying the bill and deciding on the tip, right?
Supermarkets are another place. Some of my favorite food items are finding their way into large chain supermarkets as well as Big Box stores like Costco. This means I don’t have to break the budget shopping every week at Whole Foods, or equivalent high priced supermarket.
Even protein drinks and powders fall into this category. Eleven years ago there was limited choice, and very few places to purchase. Today, supermarkets, Big Box stores, Amazon, Health food stores, Vitamin stores - all carry a good variety of pre-made drinks as well as powders.
Everybody wants our business. If I want my local market to carry a product I do not hesitate to have a conversation with the manager as to whether it is possible or not. I used to have to go to one of the local Health Food Stores (before Whole Foods came to my neck of the woods), and have them order my salad dressing of choice at the time in cases of 6 so I would be sure to get it. Now I can run up the street and pick up any number of dressings that actually taste good and meet my requirements as far as calories go. Bolthouse brand is my current friend.
I wonder, am I noticing all of these changes because I am asking for what I want and need, or is it that the marketing arms of our country have realized that there is a whole population out there who does not think super-size is great?
What do YOU think?