It is much better to ask for a platter of assorted mezzes and to negotiate the composition with one of the friendly waiters or with Ms. Bishara herself.
After her family asked for a large engagement party, including dozens of guests and elaborate platters of sweets that would cost more than $1,600, Anwari insisted on a smaller gathering of their families and closest friends.
One night, on a tip from a friend, we asked for an appetizer that wasn't listed — a platter of garlicky sautéed artichoke hearts — and they were delicious.
One night we asked for an assortment, and our server brought out a tightly packed platter of eight, along with a basket of thick, chewy, utterly fresh focaccia-like bread from Cihan Patisserie, the fine Turkish bakery next door.
Put yourself in the hands of the owner, Gerhard, by asking for a glass of something crisp and a platter of his selection.
"You couldn't ask for a better patient on a silver platter," he said.
Prompted by her mother, Salome asked for John's head on a platter, a wish the reluctant Herod was bound to fulfill.
Herod threw a feast, got roaring drunk, and when his young stepdaughter danced, he was deeply moved, as drunks so often are, and offered her her heart's desire, and she, consulting with Mom (the brother's wife, now Herod's), asked for John's head on a platter, and — voila!
Eat like a local and ask for the fried oyster platter, served with a side of chicken salad, or the sherry-laced snapper soup.
Instead of being given a medal of honor for exposing fraud--otherwise being called classified information--in an all too American way it is easier to ask for Manning's head on a platter.
