Edicate For Eating Out

I know I've talked about eating out before, so there may be some repeat information here. We have only been in Guangzhou, so I don't know what other areas would be like. Here's what we've learned.

1. Ask for exactly what you want. Be specific. If you want you pizza with tomato sauce and cheese, say exactly that.

2. Expect to get something different from what you asked for. If it isn't what you want, either eat what you get or order something else. Usually if the waiter doesn't get it right the first time, he won't get it right the second time. I asked if we could order and the waiter thought we wanted water. Understandable. Order and water does sound similar. We drank the water.

3. Ask for a picture menu or English menu. This doesn't mean that you will get what you want, but you'll get closer. Both pictures and words can be deceiving. Pictures don't tell you what kind of meat. Words are just translations, so they may not match what we think we're getting. That's how we got chocolate ice cream once. The menu said chocolate milk shake.

4. You have to flag someone down if you want service. The waiter will seat you and offer you menus, but will not take your order unless you flag him down. After you receive your food, your waiter will not come back to your table to check on you or bring you the bill until you flag him down. Don't worry, there will always be a waiter or waitress watching you while you eat so they can be ready when you raise your hand.

5. Pointing and hand signals are very effective. We have pointed to food on the table next to us. Also, John has pretended to sign his hand to signal for the bill. Smiles go a long way.

6. Never take big bites. This is John's rule. So far, we haven't had any problems with bones in the food that shouldn't be there or food not being anything like you expected. John has experienced this in other parts of Asia and I think it is still good advice. I am allergic to all fish, so I'm particularly careful. John is generally my food taster.

7. If you are very fussy, fast food restaurants can be your friend. There are tons of McDonalds and KFCs in Guangzhou. The food is pretty much like it is at home with a few Chinese additions. At most non-chain restaurants a hamburger will taste like meatloaf. It's not bad, but not what you're expecting. Fortunately, McDonalds actually has regular hamburgers. They taste a little bit different, but are close enough.

8. Drinks are rarely very cold. Unless you specifically ask for ice, you won't get it. Gabby and I really like our drinks cold. Asking for ice water gets you water without ice. So now we ask for a glass of water and a glass of ice. This usually works.

9. Go with the flow. You're in Kansas anymore. Don't expect things to be like they are at home and you'll be perfectly happy.