I recently had a dining experience that took me by surprise. An adventurous friend wanted us to check out a restaurant in Brooklyn that was rumored to be full of hipsters--she said it was a great scene. I wouldn't call myself tragically hip, but I was up for some new flavor. The menu was a bit wild (olive oil ice cream with cured olives for dessert?). Portions were small and prices were deceivingly steep. I walked out, having had a great time, but a bit miffed with the bill. I thought I was going for atmosphere and wound up unexpectedly paying for a "foodie" experience.

We all should weigh what we want from a dining-out adventure. Here's how I'm going to proceed in the future:Goals Understood. When investing in a dining occasion, be conscious of what you'd like as a dividend…is it a scene? Is it exquisite food? Is it lots of food? These considerations will steer you to a restaurant selection that won't leave you disappointed.

Foodie Facts.
When going for the foodie experience, it's more about flavors (like pesto), textures, and uniqueness than portion size. Often the dishes can be deceivingly rich, and a three-bite course is just enough. Bear in mind that menu prices reflect both ingredient costs and labor--and sometimes the seemingly simplest dishes are the most labor-intensive.