A tiny menu of exceptional dishes is great for chefs, foodies and critics. However, for a many people, the social side of eating out is more important than gett

A tiny menu of exceptional dishes is great for chefs, foodies and critics. However, for a many people, the social side of eating out is more important than getting the absolute best food. Too small a menu means you probably can't go with your friends - unless they're all foodies without dietary constraints, religions or allergies. The idea that people sometimes suggest of just going to a place and asking for an ad-hoc halal, vegan or allergen free meal is not reliable. It might work, or the chef might have no idea what vegan means ("is chicken okay?") or just tell you that's not something they offer. You can call ahead - but at that point why not just put it on the menu?