10. The Catch-All House Special

When a menu features a “house special” stew, casserole, or pasta toss, view it with a healthy dose of skepticism. Kitchens abhor food waste. To prevent throwing away ingredients that are about to turn, chefs will chop up various vegetables, meats, and starches, cover them in a heavy, flavorful sauce, and market the dish as a unique chef’s creation. You are essentially paying retail price for the kitchen’s leftovers. Instead, order dishes with a clear, concise list of fresh focal ingredients.