The scary thing about blogging is that all my “quirks” are open to the public. Well, here comes another one: I judge restaurants by whether or not they offer balsamic vinaigrette on their menu.
In my experience, having balsamic vinaigrette is a sign of a more sophisticated (food-wise) eating establishment. It’s also a sign that there may be a tendency toward more healthy food options.
I don’t eat cream-based salad dressing. I eat salads because I feel they are healthy – and because I enjoy them (especially with lots of veggies). Putting a cream-based dressing on something healthy just doesn’t work for me. If I am eating Buffalo Wings – absolutely – bring on the blue cheese! It’s just a matter of being consistent, I guess.
I have actually experienced restaurants that have an entire menu section with all their salad options…and then offer only cream-based dressings. I am not kidding. One of these places even touted their salads as “Weight Watcher” items. I asked the server if they had any oil-based dressings and the answer was no. In that case, I tend to go with honey mustard, or not have a salad. If there is no balsamic vinaigrette, I will choose the herb vinaigrette or the house dressing, which is often a vinaigrette of some sort. Unfortunately, I’m not a fan of raspberry vinaigrette. If there is nothing else, I will opt for Italian dressing.
Another thing that bums me out in the dressing department is when I ask for balsamic vinaigrette and they say, “yes, we have that,” and then they bring me oil and vinegar. Clearly they don’t realize that the whole purpose of a vinaigrette is all the extra herbs and flavors or whatever goes into them. I have no idea how to measure the oil and vinegar and it invariably comes out tasting horrible (usually too heavy on the vinegar).
At home I stick with red wine vinaigrette, made with olive oil. I realize that grocery stores sell all sorts of low-fat, low-carb, etc., dressings. I also realize that I have no idea what really goes into those restaurant dressings. For all I know the blue cheese is healthier than what I’m getting. But it’s all about how I feel in my head, right? So I choose balsamic vinaigrette.