You might have seen we recently launched the Menuism Q&A section.  Here’s a few highlights from the past week.

Photo by avlxyz

What are some good suggestions for making meatballs?

I am making meatballs today, but don’t have anything in mind yet. Any recipes, food combos, drinks that might work together well?

Answers:

1. I hate to cook, so I never actually make my own meatballs. I use Mama Lucia’s Italian Meatballs, from the freezer section (they’re really good). But I do have a super simple (but gross sounding) recipe for delicious party meatballs. Just throw the meatballs (they can even still be frozen) into a crock pot with one jar of grape jelly and one bottle of Heinz Chili Sauce. As the jelly melts down, stir to combine. Cook until good and hot.
2. I love to make meatballs with ground turkey. I put in minced garlic, finely chopped onion, chiffonade of basil, and parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper.
   Then I use them in soup. I make an Italian minestrone style soup with chicken stock, spinach or other greens, pasta, canned tomatoes, diced onion, diced zucchini, and sometimes cannelini beans.
   Or I serve the meatballs with zucchini ribbons (as pasta) and sauce.

See all the meatball answers >>

What’s your favorite fast food item?

I’m looking for new things to try.

I rarely eat fast food, but when I do I tend to get what’s familiar to me, like the Filet-o-Fish at McDonalds.

What are some of the best items at fast food chains that you like?

Answers:

1. Taco Bell. Steak Soft Taco. Just as tasty as it can be.
2. I’m a closet Chick-fil-A fan. I almost never go there, because I don’t like what the business supports with the money made from their overpriced sandwiches, but the Original Chicken Sandwich, with a lemonade… it’s just so damn good.
3. McDonald’s french fries.

See all the fast food responses >>

What would make you not tip your waiter?

Under what circumstances would you leave zero tip for a full-service restaurant waiter? Or should one always leave some tip no matter what?

Answers:

1. Nothing would make me leave no tip at all. It would be too easy for the server to shrug it off, thinking I forgot or miscalculated and didn’t have enough money with me. If the service is very bad (like in the answers that people have given so far) I’ll leave a deliberately insulting tip to get the point across. Once I gave something like fourteen cents, a spare button, and some pocket lint.
2. When I get rude or surly service I leave a nickel as a tip. If I leave no tip, the server can conclude that I just forgot or that I am just cheap. An insultingly small tip has never been misunderstood!
   Since in most places servers get paid hideously low wages, I tip 15% for acceptable service and 20% or more for excellent service.

   When I get rude or surly service I leave a nickel as a tip. If I leave no tip, the server can conclude that I just forgot or that I am just cheap. An insultingly small tip has never been misunderstood!
   Since in most places servers get paid hideously low wages, I tip 15% for acceptable service and 20% or more for excellent service.

See more tipping stories >>
Have a question about restaurants, dining or eating in general?  Go ask it!