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Are you more likely to order a smaller dessert?

13 years ago

Read an old article in the NYT about the popularity of mini desserts.

If you are in a restaurant, would you be more likely to order dessert if it's only a few bites for a few dollars? Or do you want something big to thoroughly indulge in, or do you never order dessert, no matter what?

The theory is that a lot of people just want a bite or two of something sweet, and don't want to spend the calories or the cash on a regular (even if reasonable and not big-as-your-head) sized dessert. Makes sense especially in this economy, and pastry chefs who enjoy full employment would be wise to adapt. Are mini desserts as appealing in a restaurant setting as elsewhere? Does it depend on the formality of the restaurant? If presented with a menu of several small desserts, would it be fun to pick 2 or 3 or 4 to share with your dining companion, putting together your own sampler plate? If you're not a huge sweets fan, would you be more tempted by something smaller?

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Comments (5)

cynic
13 years ago
I don't often go to the froo-froo places where a mini dessert for a few dollars would be on the menu. The places I patronize , a few dollars would be a significant part of the bill so a bite or two for a big part of the bill wouldn't happen. At that rate, grab a mint or two on the way out.

I will partake in dessert at the buffet, or have a pseudo dessert when I get breakfast (something like pancakes along with eggs for breakfast. To me, that's a dessert.

However occasionally when I'm out with someone I might just have a dish of ice cream or a sundae or something rather than a meal and a dessert.
jadeite
13 years ago
I never order dessert. Sometimes I'll get a taste from DH's plate (though he seldom gets dessert either), but I find most restaurant meals too humongous for anything except the main dish. I'm amazed when diners get through 3 courses - well, I'm probably envious.

I also think desserts are usually overpriced and underwhelming. The last time I enjoyed a dessert was years ago at Oleana in Cambridge MA where I had a serving of 3 mini-desserts which I shared with DH. Each was a mouthful and they were different from each other. It made a nice finish to a wonderful meal.

Cheryl
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paprikash
13 years ago
I love the mini desserts at P.F. Changs. DH and I usually split our main dish so we have room for a small dessert. If mini desserts are not available, we may split a tiramisu or cheesecake but more likely skip it.
lbpod
13 years ago
Depends, (no, not the ones I am wearing). . . If my main
course was really good, I would not have room for dessert.
But, if the restaurant was known for their desserts, then
I would get one 'to go', and have it for breakfast the
next morning. Why eat minni anything?
ruthanna_gw
13 years ago
About the only time I eat desserts in a restaurant is when I go to a tea room and I go to a LOT of tea rooms.

They usually give you a choice of two or three mini-desserts for about the price of a full sized dessert or you can order them by the piece in some places. Sometimes the tea luncheon includes scones, main course ( choice of tea sandwiches, salad, quiche, puff pastry concoction, etc.), and a couple of mini-desserts at a set price.

Here's the selection at a tea room I visited in July. Some are house-made and some are commercially made frozen ones.

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