Ok, time for the ugly American comment...who cares if it's a faux pas? You paid for the meal. If they don't have containers or foil or just don't want to, they can tell you that. Otherwise, what's the problem? This seems like a snobby European thing, like 'don't wear tennies and jeans in a restaurant.' If you ask politely and quietly (in the local language) and they say no, then drop it. If they're willing to wrap it up for you, why is this a problem? They wouldn't do it if it was a problem.

Well, if I'm aware that something's considered rude or at least socially "off" in another country, I try not to do it. It's polite to adapt one's manners to the place one is visiting, if that can be done without compromising principles--and I don't exactly think that a doggy bag counts as a principle. <BR> <BR>In the US, it's quite different. If you have much left on your plate, waiters usually *offer* to "box it up so you can take it home" (that's the phrase I hear most lately, not "doggy bag") and often look hurt if you don't want to. And Sarah, many dishes taste just as good warmed up the next day. My favorite rigatoni with spicy sausage from a local Italian place just cannot be finished in one sitting (unless you're a football linebacker), but tastes yummy as a next-day lunch. <BR> <BR>But as I said above, I wouldn't ask to do the same in Paris because it seems pretty clear that a lot of people consider it gauche. And as has been said, most Parisian restaurants don't serve the garganto-portions that usually lead to the need for a "to go bag" anyway.

I have not heard the wait staff at any American restaurant use the term 'doggy bag' in at least 10 years. They seem to have graduated to the phrase 'may I wrap that up for you to take home?'. Slightly more civilized, but still a bit crass. The problem could be eliminated entirely if they would not provide zoo size portions of each course.

I would like to add my comments and one minor clarification. (I am commenting on the situation in London, UK). <BR> <BR>In Europe the word entrée refers to the Starter (not the main meal) – I believe the word comes from the french for entrance so this makes sense. <BR> <BR>In my experience there is never a problem with asking to take leftovers home in the majority of restaurants, though I tend not to ask in the classier restaurants, simply because the kind of food they serve just isnt done justice by a microwave. <BR> <BR>But in more standard restaurants, particularly asian or pizza I have never felt embarassed to ask. Also they are more likely to sell food “to go” or have containers available whereas the “fine dining” type establishments don’t. <BR> <BR>However I would (personally) find it very embarassing if someone in my party ordered a starter, main, salad and dessert if they had no intention of finishing any of them, as this comes across as very greedy. <BR> <BR>(I appreciate completely that this is not the real motivation of "little" above, who has expressed that she just enjoys lots of different tastes, which I totally identify with). <BR> <BR>I have often shared starter and/ or dessert with a companion but would not tend to share a single main meal. Most restaurants I have been to have been more than happy for 2 people to share a starter or for, say, a table of 5 to share 3 starters and so on. <BR> <BR>Sometimes if two of us have similar tastes we order our two favourite main meals (one each) and swap half of each main meal though and even if we don’t do this I nearly always swap mouthfuls of each dish with my table companions. This way I get to try different tastes without lots of left overs. <BR> <BR>Generally speaking my personal advice would be this: If you aren’t hungry enough to eat several courses don’t order ALL of them as this does look a little greedy, but by all means share starters and desserts with others and don’t feel embarassed to ask to take leftovers home. Fulfill your desire to try lots of different things by swapping mouthfuls with your companions. <BR> <BR>Lastly, I don’t ask for a doggy bag, as someone mentioned, it’s not for the dog it is for me. I ask if the leftovers can be packed for me to take home! <BR> <BR>Whatever else, ENJOY your meals in Europe and do whatever makes you most comfortable. <BR> <BR>Kavey <BR>

Just a comment or two. I don't understand the poster who said ordering one of several different courses and knowing you could not eat it all was greedy? This may be the case if you are going to order it all and throw half of it away or if for some reason you weren't the one paying for the meal, otherwise i don't understand. Isn't the restaurant trying to sell you as much as they can, aren't they trying to profit from you, I thought that was the reason waters always encourage you to order appetizers. How would it be embarassing or offensive in any way to a resataurant to let them know that you would like to sample severl items of their food. i should think they would be plesed as this is a compliment to their cooking and they are making more money off you. <BR> <BR>The same line of reasoning goes for a "doggy bag" (I call it wrapping it up) Some said they would do this in a pizza place or a takeout place but not a fine restaurant. In america, the fine restaurants are the ones which encourage the practice. If you order a dinner at gourmet restaurant, eat only half of it and leave it on your plate for them to throw out, it is as if you are insulting their culinary ability. Obviously they think you did not like it or else you would have sked to take therest home with you. <BR> <BR>As for being on vacation in Europe and there being no place to heat up leftovers, this is true. i still see no harm in asking for a dessert to take with you to enjoy later at the hotel 9though you obviously wouldn't want to take your dinner as there are health issues involved in the lack of refridgeration). Also I agree the idea of splitting an entire dinner between two people is acceptable.

Dear ???? <BR>Since your last post was probably in reponse to my last post I'll respond. <BR> <BR>There is little point posting on a thread where someone is specifically asking about how things are in Europe and reiterating how things are in America. <BR> <BR>I think we have all accepted they are different and thats why this forum exists. <BR> <BR>The main reason I dont personally feel doggy bags are suitable in finer restaurants, as I did say quite clearly, is because the food is of a quality that really doesnt benefit from reheating, and often these restaurants may not have takeaway containers. In any case portions tend to be smaller so there is little to take away. <BR> <BR>As for the comment about ordering too much being seen as greedy. I did say too that I appreciated that little was not ordering with this motivation but that this is how it is perceived HERE. <BR> <BR>If one wants to do the sample lots of little things route then why not find a restaurant which offers these special taster menus, many of the top restaurants do these. <BR> <BR>I am sure the question originally posted was asking about how things are perceived by Europeans, not whether or not restaurants allow it at all. Also to answer your point, while the bottom line for all restaurants is of course to take your money, many fine chefs are quite motivated by providing their food at optimim quality and are aware it would no longer be so fine after reheating. <BR> <BR>Please do not read more into my email than was stated. <BR>

WOW! I hope someone here is clear on the "doggy bags" issue. I read all, became more confused, and then decided to continue doing my own thing. <BR>I do try to be polite. <BR>I do try to follow the customs. <BR>I certainly never mean to embarrass anyone. HOWEVER,.... <BR>If there is too much food on my plate, and if it is the type that can be eaten later, I will ask if it can be wrapped to go. We travel with a collapsible cooler whenever we vacation by car. I fill it with water, fruit, cheeses, beer and wine. It also usually contains leftovers from the evening meal that we use for a picnic lunch. How gauche! <BR>I am happy to see that sharing a plate is OK, or is it? My husband and always share an appetizer and dessert. The more I read the more confused I get. <BR>

Well not to get embroiled in an "American way vs the European way" on the practical side, when dining in Paris, my husband and I are usually relying on public transportation or eating before going to the ballet, or a stroll near the Eiffel Tower. Regardless of the ettiquette (?) I find it utterly impractical and undesireable to take a romantic stroll along with Seine while carrying a half a pound of left over Salmon Mousse. <BR>Likewise I don't want to run the risk of spillage, dropping or leaving it on the metro, or carting a possibly odorous package to the Opera Garnier to see the Ballet. <BR>Then there is the silly reason that, I've already sampled the food from such-and such restaurant... why eat the same food twice? Usually however, I clean my plate in France, the food is that great!

I just make sure I eat it all. <BR> <BR>'la pubelle humane'

Well, if it 'isn't done', that doesn't mean you can't try! We visited Aalborg, Denmark last summer (eating out is very expensive there, even for the Danes). After ordering and receiving a huge bowl of chili, which I couln't eat, I ask to take it home. She stretched to her full height and said haughtly "We don't do that!" and I said "well, please try, because I will apprecicate this much more tomorrow when I am more hungry and don't like to waste it." She said "Ill ask" and soon returned with a plastic baggie in to which she poured the chili with a look of distain. Well, I don't care...we took it home, and my student son and his cohorts (all on small budgets) enjoyed it very much. So Ask and you May receive.!

I don't know if i would go as far as Julie, but i would politely ask for a doggy bag, box, whatever. there is no harm in asking as I'm sure they get that quite often from Americans and know that that is a cultural difference not an insult. However, if they say "it's not done here" I would then politely say okay I'm sorry and thank you (hopefully in their native language) I would not ask them to ask the manager or someone to do it anyway. From the confusion in this post, i'm not sure if anyone knows whether or not it typical to ask for a doggy bag in europe. My advice: do it, do it nicely, do it in their language if you can, and if they say no graciously say thank you anyway and drop the subject. surely there is no harm done.

Is it not about time that Europeans started to be forced to carry doggy bags when walking their dogs?

I've conducted a quick survey in Geneva yesterday afternoon: <BR> <BR>100% of the 3 sophisticated French persons I was having dinner with said "doggy bag" is not done, but asking nicely to take home something you can't finish can be OK, depending on the kind of restaurant and food. <BR> <BR>100% of the waiter and cook I asked (in a nice restaurant in nearby France) said they knew of the American custom and would not be shocked if asked nicely - and would gladly comply if possible. <BR> <BR>100% of both categories said that sharing an item of the menu is a very good way of avoiding waste and trying different tastes. <BR> <BR>Bon appetit to all and don't worry so much.