Do restaurants make menu exceptions?

[Seasonscraps]

The DISNEY restaurants will be pretty accommodating, but the restaurants on Disney property that are not owned by Disney (like at the Swan/Dolphin/Downtown Disney) may have more strict rules.

We ate at Bluezoo a few months ago, and ordered the filet. It came with Brussels sprouts, which neither I or DH cared for. We asked the waiter if we could sub something else, and he pretty much convinced us to leave the dish as is, as the chef chose that vegetable to complement the sauce, and the dish's composition would be "compromised" if we took them away, blah, blah, blah. So, we just said "fine, we'll take it as is." Well, wouldn't you know they were right! I actually LOVED the way the Brussels sprouts were prepared. They were amazing, and really did complete the dish.

Ill health effects aside, if a restaurant has a chef that takes a lot of pride in his/her dishes, I can appreciate that they might feel a bit miffed about people changing around what they took a lot of time to "perfect."

I can respect that but at the same time, if it's a food I won't eat, it's not really complimenting anything and just going to waste.

[BrerGnat]

I can respect that but at the same time, if it's a food I won't eat, it's not really complimenting anything and just going to waste.

That's why upscale restaurants like that offer a la carte side dishes. I think it's reasonable to expect to be told "no substitutions" in certain types of restaurants, especially if the substitution would end up being more costly for the plate.

But, I think dietary restrictions due to allergy/food intolerance should ALWAYS be allowed and graciously done by the kitchen staff.

[Seasonscraps]

That's why upscale restaurants like that offer a la carte side dishes. I think it's reasonable to expect to be told "no substitutions" in certain types of restaurants, especially if the substitution would end up being more costly for the plate.

But, I think dietary restrictions due to allergy/food intolerance should ALWAYS be allowed and graciously done by the kitchen staff.

ITA!!! But I wouldn't use an allergy as an excuse for a subtitution for something I don't like. That would put undue pressure on the chef and kitchen staff.

I have never been told no substitions - I have paid an upcharge for a new selection but I can't recall being told no. Great point about the a la carte items on expensive places, I never thought of it that way. Thinking of steakhouses, I thought it was due to the fact that they are sized for sharing since the entrees are generally larger then standard portions.

[Jared]

I can respect that but at the same time, if it's a food I won't eat, it's not really complimenting anything and just going to waste.

That's what the poster above you thought about Brussels sprouts. If you have an allergy or a health concern, I understand requesting a substitution, and I would expect the restaurant to accommodate your needs. But if you simply dislike a certain food, I would try the dish as constituted. You may surprise yourself.

Personally, I never make substitutions beyond "dressing on the side" or "not too much mayo, please." If there is an ingredient I dislike, I pick another dish. No question about it.

[Mogie]

Disney restaurants are some of the the most accommodating restaurants ive ever been to. My GF has a wheat intolerance and it can be a challenge to find something on the menu without flour without having to order from the Gluten Free Menu. At every restaurant and counter service place the chef/manager comes out and makes sure she gets something good to eat that she'll enjoy.