I stumbled upon an interesting story mid week. As we ushered in 2016, a new law came into force in France: The ‘Doggy bag’ law, which basically requires restaurants across the country to provide take away bags or boxes to customers who request them.

The authorities believe this will help reduce the vast amounts of food waste annually. Apparently, French diners aren’t exactly thrilled about that and some even think it’s not chic. Is that a French word? My French is terrible so excuse me if it isn’t. Anyway, a number of people don’t think it’s good etiquette to eat out and then carry leftovers home. 

Admittedly, I have never carried leftovers from a restaurant either, unless it was to go or take away as we also refer to it although our coinage is quite different from the ‘Doggy Bag’ reference. I don’t think any of our restaurants have that policy or are keen on adopting it. Most places I’ve been to will empty your plate for you into their bin if you have the meal right there. 

No one ever gets to take what they can’t eat home although I’m sure some people would appreciate that option. I know I would. Haven’t you ever gone out and for some reason couldn’t finish your food because you had to rush off somewhere or just felt full halfway through, which doesn’t happen often as most restaurants go out of their way to serve very small portions but sometimes you do get a full plate, literally and I think it would be nice for someone to be able to carry the extra home so that when they feel hungry later in the evening, they can munch on some leftover fries. 

Speaking of which, am I the only one who thinks fries taste better the next day? I like the nice aroma of warm fresh ones but for some reason, I always leave just a little bit for some late night snacking and when I don’t get to do that, I eat them the next morning! Which reminds me of another leftover debate on a forum I can’t quit remember but the argument was how to make the best of leftovers and when to toss them out so you don’t suffer food poisoning or more serious complications. I think it’s because of the just concluded holiday season. 

Most families prepare way too much food and at the end of the day, you just don’t want to throw it all away so it’s not uncommon for people to attempt to preserve it for as long as they can. I think just about everyone of us has done that or have family that do. 

Growing up, my mum would make some tasty Katogo for breakfast with whatever sauce we had had the previous night. Also, not to embarrass my mum or anything, but she’s one of those mothers who would carry food from parties. I think she still does! In her defense, it wasn’t like she rushed to the buffet table at random parties and emptied the serving dishes before all the guests had eaten. 

It was usually at family gatherings and after everyone had been served, all the aunties packed up what they could so they wouldn’t have to get home and prepare dinner. I bet your mums did the same occasionally.