How to Identify Additional Sides Before Your Entrée Arrives Unadorned

I long for the days when potatoes were just included.

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I have observed a nuanced alteration in my recent dining experiences at eateries. It appears that an increasing number of entrées no longer include a side dish by default. There was a period when one could request a steak with the anticipation that it would be accompanied by, for instance, a baked potato and green beans. Currently, the steak may be accompanied by a tablespoon of caramelized onions or an item that would have been regarded as a garnish a decade ago. “Would you like brussels sprouts with that?” The total will increase by $9, please.

During my employment at a rustic, country-style restaurant chain in Texas in the late 20th century, patrons may order a chicken-fried steak and select two accompaniments from a selection of eight possibilities. The entrée was accompanied by two sides: a starch and a vegetable, with options such as macaroni and cheese, broccoli rice casserole, and black-eyed peas. Alternatively, if you were similar to me, two starches. Ultimately, there were two perspectives, conclusion reached. No more. Presuming that a side accompanies your entrée is erroneous.

Fries are no longer a certainty

This also appears to apply to hamburgers and sandwiches. Not long ago, French fries were merely an accompaniment to the meal. Your inquiry was unnecessary; it occurred spontaneously. It is essential to scrutinize the menu meticulously to guarantee the acquisition of the deep-fried potato that your body desires with a hamburger. Potato chips may be included in the price; however, authentic French fries incur an additional charge. It it acceptable to receive house-made, thinly sliced potato chips fried in duck fat and accompanied by garlic aïoli; but, is it customary to order a hamburger and be presented with a handful of stale, fragmented potato chips from a bag? Oh, the suffering of mankind!

Is this a garnish or an accompaniment?

Upon examining a menu, it is challenging to ascertain whether the accompaniment to your protein constitutes a genuine side dish or merely a suggestion, akin to vermouth in a Martini. If I order a pork chop, accompanied by a blistered pepper and a peach, is that sufficient sustenance? Must I pay an additional $14 for crispy fried okra? While a blistered pepper has its merits, it cannot be equated with a plate of broccoli or spinach. Additionally, a peach? Is it a complete peach, a half peach, or a sliver of peach that resembles a cocktail garnish? It is perplexing, necessitating an inquiry to your server, “What specifically pertains to the peach?” The server must feign that the portion is plenty to satiate, despite the common understanding that no one want merely a slice of peach with their pork chop.

Not all dining establishments engage in this practice. A restaurant in my vicinity offers grilled fish accompanied with asparagus and fingerling potatoes. When you order salmon, you anticipate receiving a starch and a vegetable, which starkly contrasts with a blistered pepper and a peach.

Shrinkflation may be occurring

This may represent a variant of "shrinkflation," wherein consumers pay the same price yet receive a reduced quantity, exemplified by purchasing a 9.25-ounce bag of Doritos for $1.99, previously 9.75 ounces. Or observing that the KitKat bar is slightly diminished in size compared to its previous dimensions. Grant me a reprieve! This is the current state of the world. Businesses and restaurants must take necessary measures to maintain profitability.

I may still believe that in 1998, a chicken-fried steak was invariably accompanied by mashed potatoes and fried okra, without exception. When I occupy a chair at a restaurant and observe entrées devoid of accompaniments, I believe such practices should not be permitted. However, the restaurant gazes at me and states, “But you are, Darron.” I am seated in that chair, thus I order my chicken-fried steak and further pay for a side of mashed potatoes, followed by an extra charge for a second side of macaroni and cheese. I have selected my position, it seems.