Weird Specialty Dining Question

[jessi12tg]

I don't feel like you needed to justify your question. That's the whole point of these message boards isn't it? A place to go to get answers, not criticism. You didn't ask if it was frowned upon to order food from a different place; you asked if it was possible. Perfectly legitimate question I'd say.

 

On one of my NCL cruises, my entire family (party of 8) wanted to eat in the Chinese specialty restaurant. I don't like Chinese food so nothing on the menu appealed to me. I was planning on going to the restaurant with them anyway and just picking up something from the buffet afterwards but I wanted to make sure they weren't going to charge me the specialty dining fee for just "watching". When I explained to the waiter what I was going to do, he said I was crazy for not eating and asked what I wanted, he would get me ANYTHING. I didn't have a menu so I had no idea. He just ran through a bunch of dishes in his head and I picked one (it was some kind of steak plus a salad and dessert).

 

So in my opinion and as a few people have said, I don't think it's a direct yes or no. I would just tell someone at the restaurant that your husband is interested in eating here but there's nothing on the menu that sounds good to you so is there anything else they could offer. Most likely they'll offer you something you can enjoy. If they couldn't or if it was too big of a deal then they'd say no. There's no harm in asking as long as you're not dramatic about it.

 

Hope you have a wonderful cruise!

[CarolinaMamma]

Actually, I provided useful information in post #16 that was completely overlooked. She could order the the steak for two from the +$10 menu for no extra charge. Being that it's carved table side, she can simply ask for no sauce and be assured of not getting any.

 

As for an over the top reaction, that is not directed towards the OP specifically but posters in general with such comments as "gracefully paid for my cruise". Really??? Does anyone think NCL should be honored to have the guest in their presence? The way some of these posters sound, they should be sailing SilverSea or first class on the Titanic! In my book, that is arrogance. May not be to you, but it is to me.

 

As for bending over backwards, yes, most restaurants will as long as you are working with their menu. In my town, we have a Red Lobster/Olive Garden in the same building (shared kitchen) and you cannot order from another's menu. Seriously, go to something as lowly as a Wendy's and ask for a Big Mac and you will be told where the nearest McDonalds is. Go to a Ruth Chris Steakhouse and ask for a Big Mac, you will be told the same thing. Restaurants will work with customers who stay within their menu but no restaurant will go to another restaurant to bring a meal back to you.

 

Agree. And what really gets me is when people change or customize a dish and then complain about it taking a long time or not tasting good. I have a certain family member who makes numerous modifications to dishes on the menu and then complains if they don't get it right or it doesn't taste good. On cruises, you have to realize they are serving 2,000 plus people, they have to pre-prep a lot of things, and even simple modifications take time. And if you remove all the garnishes and sauces from a dish, sometimes it is going to be bland and boring.

 

Yes, cruises are famous for good service, but not giving you "anything you want." This is still a mass market cruise line. There are limits.

 

I think between asking for things with sauces on the side, or a simple substitute for a sauce, like garlic butter on a steak, combining entrees and sides that are on the existing menu, or ordering off of the children's menu, the OP should be able to find something tolerable.

 

OP, I hope you have a fabulous cruise and maybe discover some new foods that you like. I second the Bearnaise sauce recommendation. It is not too strong in flavor, and may be a good one to try on the side.

[rednose83]

I now have a few ideas of what to order or ask for. I'm thinking either the table-side steak or the pork tenderloin.

 

Like I said above, I've always been picky (though I am expanding my tastes). I know that it is my issue and not others. Believe me, I've sat through many meals eating nothing but bread to not affect others.

[johnsak123]

there is absolutely nothing on le bistro menu you would want to eat

that is hard to believe

but different strokes....

[tarheelmjfan]

I now have a few ideas of what to order or ask for. I'm thinking either the table-side steak or the pork tenderloin.

 

Like I said above, I've always been picky (though I am expanding my tastes). I know that it is my issue and not others. Believe me, I've sat through many meals eating nothing but bread to not affect others.

 

I applaud you for trying new things. Sorry about the negative replies. Many of the message boards (not just here) are full of picky eaters & parents of picky kids that have no interest in even trying anything new. They want every menu changed to fit their needs or expect people to bend over backwards for them everywhere they go. I'm guessing many of the posts here were more about those people than you. IMO, anyone willing to try new things should be supported. It's the ones that aren't that annoy people & it carries over to the others.

[galcruise]

Cant believe some people are so picky!!! YOU ARE ON A CRUISE !!! GROW UP!!!!

[JuneauWhatIMean]

I applaud you, Kelly. You are one BRAVE lady to put up with all the hatred on this thread when all you did was politely ask a question. Waaay too many assumptions flying around here. ;)

 

I agree with all of the posters that kindly offered suggestions. You will be on a cruise with many dining venues all under one roof, (so to speak), not at a land-based restaurant, and their goal and job is to make you happy. Yes, that's right folks- It is their job to make sure we are happy. They wouldn't stay in business very long if they didn't. And I'm certain you won't be the pickiest eater they've ever dealt with.

 

Because you have a great attitude I predict you will be fine, will dine well, and will have a great cruise. :D

 

Ali

[rednose83]

Agree. And what really gets me is when people change or customize a dish and then complain about it taking a long time or not tasting good. I have a certain family member who makes numerous modifications to dishes on the menu and then complains if they don't get it right or it doesn't taste good. On cruises, you have to realize they are serving 2,000 plus people, they have to pre-prep a lot of things, and even simple modifications take time. And if you remove all the garnishes and sauces from a dish, sometimes it is going to be bland and boring.

 

Yes, cruises are famous for good service, but not giving you "anything you want." This is still a mass market cruise line. There are limits.

 

I think between asking for things with sauces on the side, or a simple substitute for a sauce, like garlic butter on a steak, combining entrees and sides that are on the existing menu, or ordering off of the children's menu, the OP should be able to find something tolerable.

 

OP, I hope you have a fabulous cruise and maybe discover some new foods that you like. I second the Bearnaise sauce recommendation. It is not too strong in flavor, and may be a good one to try on the side.

 

I don't know if you adressing my comment about my last attempt at Le Bistro- changing the meal and not liking it. I did not complain while I was there. I knew there was a good chance it was going to be gross the way I ordered it and it was no surprise. I wouldn't have expected them to "fix it" because they were only following my instructions.

[rednose83]

I applaud you for trying new things. Sorry about the negative replies. Many of the message boards (not just here) are full of picky eaters & parents of picky kids that have no interest in even trying anything new. They want every menu changed to fit their needs or expect people to bend over backwards for them everywhere they go. I'm guessing many of the posts here were more about those people than you. IMO, anyone willing to try new things should be supported. It's the ones that aren't that annoy people & it carries over to the others.

 

Thank you. It's hard to change the way that you eat. It has not been an easy process.

 

Cant believe some people are so picky!!! YOU ARE ON A CRUISE !!! GROW UP!!!!

 

This wasn't an issue of immaturity. Also, perhaps you should take your own advice as this is a really childish remark.

[rednose83]

I applaud you, Kelly. You are one BRAVE lady to put up with all the hatred on this thread when all you did was politely ask a question. Waaay too many assumptions flying around here. ;)

 

I agree with all of the posters that kindly offered suggestions. You will be on a cruise with many dining venues all under one roof, (so to speak), not at a land-based restaurant, and their goal and job is to make you happy. Yes, that's right folks- It is their job to make sure we are happy. They wouldn't stay in business very long if they didn't. And I'm certain you won't be the pickiest eater they've ever dealt with.

 

Because you have a great attitude I predict you will be fine, will dine well, and will have a great cruise. :D

 

Ali

 

Thank you! I was like Hey now, where did I post my name? :D See you onboard!

 

there is absolutely nothing on le bistro menu you would want to eat

that is hard to believe

but different strokes....

 

I already addressed this upthread.

[MRBOOKEND]

Received reply from a Resolution Specialist at NCL HQ and their response to OP's post #1 questions was:

 

"We recommend you speak to the Executive Chef onboard as he would be the point person to discuss any available options we would be able to offer outside the Ultimate Dinning guidelines."

I enjoyed reading JuneauWhatIMean's response which is why I am so looking forward to our upcoming cruise on the Epic.

 

Just as we hope to be pampered with good service, I suspect that NCL wants our experience to be wonderful and will provide sufficient great service so we will continue to be their customer.

 

Wish you all the luck on your cruise RedNose and hope you're able to have a great dinner with DH at Le Bistro.

 

My SO suggested another option so will add here as she doesn't have account with CC: Get takeout at both Le Bistro and another restaurant of your choosing assuming they do takeout at Le Bistro, then you both can go to wherever you want on the ship and have a romantic picnic, together.

Edited March 26, 2014 by MRBOOKEND