Dining out, splitting dishes and enjoying a multi-faceted meal

July 21, 11:02 AMChicago Women's ExaminerBlagica Bottigliero

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Terrific eatery on State St.

We've heard it before, right? Portion sizes in most American restaurants are massive.  You order the chicken and are presented with a whole bird. You order the pasta and you get the whole box. For the last few years, I've changed up the way I eat when at most restaurants.  Whether you are with your husband, girlfriend, lover, sister, friend or co-worker, a few simple strategic decisions will keep your palate happy, while ensuring your waistline doesn't hit the table.

 In addition to this, don't forget about taking advantage of restaurant loyalty programs that reward you with a free meal now and then...

Michael and I enjoyed a terrific meal out at Osteria via Stato.  It was just the kind of date night I needed, a Saturday (Sommeliers work most Saturdays), not that humid and a table smack dab on the street. The Osteria has two choices: a set price for family style dining or ala carte. We opted for ala carte. I always end up picking off his plate, so why not order different dishes and split them?

Appetizers
We started off with a sweet onion/parmesan cheese appetizer. Hello! I never thought of this combination before.  A sweet Vidalia onion dipped in olive oil and baked with parmesan cheese and some white sauce. A couple fork fulls with some bread and I was good. I also had a glass of Prosecco (Italian sparkling wine).

Salads
Michael ordered a beet salad, I had the arugula SMALL salad.  The "small" was still large enough to give Michael a good portion. I had a few beets and was set. Another note, every course was well timed and I didn't feel like I was stuffing my face. 

Entrees
We ordered a full order of the meat stuffed ravioli, along with the sea bass.  By the time the last course came, I knew I couldn't eat too much. I had 2.5 pieces of ravioli and half the fish. Some last sips of the half Liter of red wine we ordered for dinner (about 2/3 of a bottle) and this gal was well fed, happy and didn't over eat. 

Our bill came to $109.  Because I'm in the Lettuce Entertain You Frequent Diner program and Osteria via Stato is part of LEYE's restaurant group, I used the points on my loyalty card to pay for the entire meal (I have about $127 left on the card to use. Paying for all those business lunches and using my loyalty card paid off).  Now, keep in mind, the loyalty card pays for the meal, but don't forget to tip your server.

When I lived in France, you'd think I ate like a pig every night. The difference is, smaller plates. Multiple courses, but they were well sized.  A few pieces of cheese here, a buttery piece of filet there and a decadent cake later. Good, real ingredients coupled with a portion that isn't insane is just fine.  Also, taking your TIME with dinner gives your body a chance to digest what you just ate.  Appreciate the homemade ravioli and take in the taste of the fresh cremini mushroom in your salad. It all adds to the experience.

We've turned 'dining out' into a fast-paced way of chowing down and forgetting the magic of conversation, striking up a relationship with your server and letting the wine go down nicely. Relax. Try a few dishes, take your time with your dinner and be happy you have the opportunity to do such a thing in the first place. Many in this world don't.