Free bread at the chains: The reason we eat out?

The free bread at restaurants is one of the great joys in life.

I often find myself making a decision on where to go to eat based on the free bread they offer. It's just so good. Most decent restaurants will bring you free bread at some point during the dining experience, and it's usually a highlight of the evening. How do you feel when it doesn't happen? You're left at your table quietly wondering, "Where the HECK is the free bread?!?!" If a restaurant doesn't offer free bread, why even bother going?

We really don't take advantage of this sweet deal enough, though. Think about it! When is the last time you asked for seconds on the free bread? Is it wrong? Is it improper?

This article appears in Feb 4-10, 2009.