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Going out to eat is a fun way to treat yourself, and get the night off from cooking. But chefs want you to know that not everything on the menu is worth your time and money. In fact, they advise patrons to avoid THESE popular entrées because they're a total rip-off! So, if you're in the mood for Fancy Burgers, House Salads, Chicken Parmesan, and chicken in general, you're better off picking something else off the menu...
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Fancy Burgers
"There is no reason to ever pay $20+ for a hamburger," chef James Briscione, Director of Culinary Research at the Institute of Culinary Education tells INSIDER. "If chefs are piling expensive ingredients on top of a hamburger, it’s just so they can steal your money. Good burgers are made from ground tough cuts of meat like chuck, brisket, or ribs. Grinding up expensive meat just to make a burger is a waste."
House Salads
"When I go to a restaurant and sit with a menu, I tend to stay away from the House Salad," says Kayson Chong, Los Angeles-based executive chef of The Venue. "I prefer to have something special that a chef created with seasonal products and interesting combinations. I like experiencing new and exciting things to eat when I go to other restaurants, not something I can find easily anywhere."
Chicken Parmesan
“I would never, ever order chicken parmesan. It's always frozen before cooked and tastes like a gross version of chicken nuggets," chef Phil Pretty, of Long Beach, Calif.'s Restauration, says of the popular Italian dish.
Chicken (In General)
Chicken is a popular entrée for most restaurants, but chefs steer clear of it because they find that the dishes are often overpriced and lacking in originality. Plus, they feel that they can make the dish better themselves at home!
Two chefs told FoodNetwork.com, "I won’t pay $24 for half a chicken breast.” Said another, “I want something I can’t make myself."
