Yes, eating is my job: LAist food editor gives his top tips for dining out

Recently, I’ve been subject to a little bit of scrutiny.

No, not because of my opinions about a particular food or restaurant. Most of the time, people keep those for themselves. Cowards! (I’m kidding)

Instead, the line of questioning concerns what it takes to be a professional eater and how I make it work so I don’t burn out, pig out, or turn into a cheeseburger as part of my job.

A few weeks ago, I participated in an LAist live event, and afterward, a few attendees approached me, asking, among other things, how often I go out to eat, what my exercise regimen is, and what kind of car I drive. (I think they wanted to know how many miles I rack up. Or maybe they were used car sales people. Who knows?)

I was surprised by the nature of the questions because, for the most part, I lead a pretty quiet, almost insular existence. If I’m not out exploring new places or interviewing various chefs and restaurant owners, I’m usually at my desk at home, organizing my thoughts and meeting deadlines. So, how I make my food writer’s life work — what my routines are, how I pack it all in (both restaurants and food) — never struck me as something people might be interested in.

But, it seems, you are.

So, I figured — why not share some of the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years? And for the amateur food critics among you (as in those who like to tell friends about new places or explain why a dish was particularly good), perhaps these tips can help you get an even more satisfying experience when you go out to eat.

A screen shot of LAist food editor Gab Chabrán's bookmarks of places to try on Google Maps.

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Gab Chabrán

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LAist

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Keep a running list of places you want to try

This may seem obvious, but the next time you read, hear, or see a place you want to try, bookmark it on Yelp or add it to "Want to go” on Google Maps. (Once you've found the restaurant, hit save and tap that option. You can also add separate lists for different cuisines or neighborhoods.) I do this because if I find myself in a particular part of town at lunchtime, I can pull it up and surprise myself with a delightful experience at a place I’d forgotten about. It’s like communicating with a past version of yourself and them reminding you why you are so cool and have great taste.

Be spontaneous 

This one goes hand-in-hand with the bookmarks, for when you have a couple of hours to kill or need to break away. Try the restaurant or cafe that you just heard about, or that’s buried in your bookmarks. It’s a perfect way to keep things interesting, and you might be surprised by where you end up.

Go alone

Time is of the essence when trying a restaurant, so while I would love my friends and family to join me, it’s not always in the cards. When visiting a place for the first time, I find it a little easier to focus on the food I’m trying when I’m alone. I also get to speak with people who work there instead of being beholden to a conversation about what I’ve been up to lately or urging my kid to finish her grilled cheese.

Gab Chabrán eats Jjajang Myun at Zzamong in Koreatown.

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Brian Feinzimer

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LAist

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Dine during the off-hours

If you want an accurate representation of the dishes on a restaurant’s menu, try going when things are slow. Peak lunch and dinner hours only complicate things, meaning the staff might be tripping over each other to fulfill orders, and oftentimes, things may get lost in the shuffle. If you go for a late lunch or an early dinner, it’s likely you'll get a better sense of what makes a place great.

Order more, eat less

If you’re visiting a place for the first time, go big. Order a few different things to get a sense of the menu offerings. However, there’s a trick: don’t eat it all. Instead, take a few bites of each item. You’ll probably get the point and then move on to the next thing. This way, you don’t end up full, regretting your decisions for the rest of your day; plus, you get plenty of leftovers that you can easily squeeze another meal or two out of.

Trust your gut when ordering

While I love speaking with servers and learning about the menus, more often than not, they’ll try to steer me towards a popular dish or even, in some cases, upsell me. I can’t blame them as that’s their job. But here’s my tip: use your discretion when ordering. Think about your tastes and what you like, because chances are you’ll have a more enjoyable experience

Avoid combo plates and unnecessary sides

Are you going somewhere to try a burger? Get the burger, but maybe skip the fries and the Coke. Chances are you’ve already had something similar, and it may not be worth the calories.

Gab Chabrán takes a sip of pickle lemonade.

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Marcellina Chappelle

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LAist

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Don’t be afraid to get weird with it!

Heard good things about the Szechuan broccoli potato salad? Interested in ordering the hot fudge sundae with grasshoppers? (I thought I’d made those up but I just Googled them and one at least seems to exist). Do it! You might just be surprised. Plus, even if they aren’t good, you can at least say you tried them and have an opinion to share with others.

Drink water, skip the booze

When dining out and the focus is on the food, just focus on the food and order a glass of water instead of alcohol. I also try to travel with my water bottle, which I do my best to keep filled before and after the meal, especially if I get thirsty after an incredibly savory or spicy meal. In addition to staying hydrated, you’ll also keep your palate fresh when trying different foods. Save the wine flight or cocktail for a separate visit.

Never leave home without it; the Mexican version of Alka-Seltzer is a must for Gab Chabrán in his food travels.

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Gab Chabrán

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LAist

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Travel with tummy help

Aside from drinking a lot of water during the meal, I keep a few extra Tums or even a couple of packets of the Mexican version of Alka-Seltzer in my bag, known as Picot. I may not always use them, but the simple fact that I know they are there with me is a good reminder not to overdo it. Also, if someone you are with is having tummy troubles, you’ll look like the seasoned adult eater you are, who’s always prepared.

Go on walks frequently

This last one is easy. Start or end your day with at least a 15 to 30 minute walk around your neighborhood. Along with exercise, it will help you get familiar with your surroundings and do wonders for your mental state, but it will also make you feel great in the long run.