How to Complain?

Maxthedm

I'm starting college now and was looking at the menus of local places. I've noticed two places with errors - One's vegetarian special had parmesan on it, and the other listed all its fish meals as vegetarian.

I didn't say anything to the staff, because I hate being confrontational, but I still want to complain. How do you guys bring up complaints? I don't want to list every single ingredient that isn't vegetarian, but then I don't want other mistakes happening again.

entropi

There is no simple way to do it, other than have a friendly talk with staff who can pass all of that info on to the chef, or speak with the chef directly. By helping them understand what is/is not veggie in the first place, it may encourage them to develop their vegetarian cuisine.

telecaster

If the fish meals are listed on the menu as being fish, then there's nothing misleading and you're just being pedantic.

Likewise if the parmesan one is described as having parmesan on it.

Slaphead07

telecaster wrote: »

If the fish meals are listed on the menu as being fish, then there's nothing misleading and you're just being pedantic.

Likewise if the parmesan one is described as having parmesan on it.

Seriously? Fish is veggie is ok to claim is it? Either the person typing the menu is an idiot or they assume their customers are. It's pretty ignorant either way. Nothing pedantic about it.

Slaphead07

Maxthedm wrote: »

I didn't say anything to the staff, because I hate being confrontational,

There's nothing confrontational about it. Any self respecting professional caterer would want such an error pointed out. If they're not bothered then everybody should think twice before eating there.

I don't think it is confrontational.
If it was me, I would rather talk directly to the chef. I would get on the students union too.
If your trapped on a campus, a lack of a genuine vegetarian option is putting you in a real bind.
Where do you go to college?

Awesome-O

send them an email

judgefudge

Maybe I'm going to come across as really stupid here.. But I'm new to this whole thing, so sorry! This is a genuine question... how is Parmesan not vegetarian?

WeeBushy

judgefudge wrote: »

Maybe I'm going to come across as really stupid here.. But I'm new to this whole thing, so sorry! This is a genuine question... how is Parmesan not vegetarian?

No worries, many people don't realise that its not vegetarian friendly. It contains calf rennet in its production.

judgefudge

Ooh interesting. I never knew that thanks! Is there anymore things that most people dont know aren't vegetarian?

WeeBushy

Most gelatin products are non vegetarian... Best bet is to check the ingredients of what you're buying really.

flikflak

Some dessert mousse type things too use gelatin. Percy Pigs. but they now do veggie percys (not vegan though )

Wine and beer can sometimes not be veggie.

OP, just ask to have a word with the catering manager. They should thank you for bringing it to their attention, rectify the menu and offer a proper veggie menu option. If not, then I would not frequent their kitchen or give them any of my money and would encourage others to do the same.

Sha_key

judgefudge wrote: »

Maybe I'm going to come across as really stupid here.. But I'm new to this whole thing, so sorry! This is a genuine question... how is Parmesan not vegetarian?

What?!?! How the Hell do you not know this already?! Just kidding. It's really hard to know what is and isn't veggie or vegan friendly. Especially since companies are under no legal obligation to say if it is. Even some stuff that is veggie don't mention it.

Like WeeBushy said, you just have to check the ingredients of EVERYTHING. As a relatively new vegan (Jan '12) I still find it surprising what I can and can't have. Just keep checking and you'll get used to it very quickly.

Sha_key

Maxthedm wrote: »

I'm starting college now and was looking at the menus of local places. I've noticed two places with errors - One's vegetarian special had parmesan on it, and the other listed all its fish meals as vegetarian.

The parmesan one I can understand, the fish meals one is a little ridiculous. I know not everyone realises that veggies don't eat fish, but people in the food industry definitely should.

Type the restaurants' names into google, you'll surely find their e-mail address and let them know. If they don't reply or fail to change things then talk to them in person. You don't want to limit yourself on places to eat. God knows it's already hard enough to find a veggie friendly restaurant that does dishes other than a big plate of veg.

At the end of the day, you want to eat there and they want your money.