Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay has urged fans to keep something in mind when looking at restaurant menus. Unbeknownst to customers, one specific item isn’t always as fresh as it seems.
The celebrity chef, 58, advises steering clear of ordering “soup of the day”. Why, you may ask? It’s because the starter is likely to be made from leftover ingredients that are nearing expiration. Chefs simply shove them in a blender and their punters are none the wiser.
In a chat with Town and Country, Gordon said: “Ask what yesterday’s soup du jour was before today’s special. It may be the case that it’s the soup du month.”
The pro cook isn’t the only one urging caution about “dish of the day” options. Basia, a marketing and psychology expert, echoed a similar sentiment in a TikTok video.
Basia pointed out that “specials” could be misleading. They often include products that need to be used quickly due to overstocking or shelf life concerns.
For example, if steak is under-ordered and risks going off, chefs might fashion a new recipe featuring the high-cost beef to avoid wastage.
Basia stated: “The daily special written in chalk? It’s been ‘today’s special’ for three weeks. But your brain sees handwriting and thinks: limited, fresh, rare.”
The notion seems to resonate with many, who took to the comments section to share their thoughts. One said: “When I see Daily Special, I think it is something that is about to expire so they have to get rid of it.”
Someone else echoed the suspicion, noting: “I always thought the specials board was made from leftovers and stuff they need to get rid of quickly, so avoid it.”
Another joined the chorus of distrust, stating: “I rarely touch specials as it’s usually stuff about to go bad or cheap short date purchase from the supplier.”
Yet, there were industry insiders who begged to differ. Defending fellow restauranteurs, they added: “Restaurant owners are not greedy (I’m not talking corporate).
