Restaurants are banning food photography.
I’d leave if they told me I couldn’t take pics!
It seems like a weird thing to me. I understand banning flash photography – that could be distracting to other diners – but a simple phone pic? Instagram can HELP restaurants grow business. If I post something tasty-looking and tag the restaurant, that’s free advertising for them!
I do think that if your dining companions are annoyed by your pics and having to wait to eat while you document everyone’s meal you should refrain. Luckily, my friends are usually reminding me to take pics! 
I would have hated to miss this pic from an underground dinner last Sunday… recap coming soon!
A restaurant group in Spain gets it. According to this article, the group is actually hosting classes to teach patrons to take better iPhone pics.
The theory is that good pics make their food look better. If they can get customers to post more delicious-looking pics, it only helps them. Duh.
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We all know I can’t help but take pics of my meals. It’s why I love WIAW. This month Jenn is going green!
Check out my 7 veggie-laced, protein-filled meals below, and then click here to head over to Jenn @ Peas and Crayons to get to see how everyone else is green-ing up their food this month!
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Meal 1:
Predictably, I began my day with a cocktail (apple cider vinegar, water, Glutamine, and Fitmixer Aminos).
I wanted something different this morning. Something with bread and eggs. A little sweet, a little savory. Something that felt fancy, but prepared quickly – I woke up hungry! So I just started putting stuff together.
It may not look pretty (brown food is IMPOSSIBLE!), but the result was pretty good, if I may say so! It was a bread pudding, done in the microwave. I used a bit of stevia, lots of cinnamon, and crumbled bacon to hit the sweet-savory craving. Full recipe at the bottom of this post.
On the side I had a broiled grapefruit, which is incredibly easy but has a juicy, decadent feel.
Meal 2:
Today I have a surprise. For once I did NOT eat salmon. During my Sunday food prep, I baked a bunch of chicken with various spices. This piece was coated in a Mexican spice blend. I cut it into strips to heat, then topped it with avocado and strawberries. Love the sweet and spicy combo! Strange but good?
Meal 3:
Lunch was a post-workout meal. I wanted to be festive, so I made my protein Shamrock Shake… with a twist. Since I’d just had avocado at Meal 2, I used sweet potato to cream up my smoothie instead. I also added cinnamon… because I put it in everything. 
This thing was SO massive that I had to eat it in two rounds. It wouldn’t all fit in my largest bowl! Topped with Special K Popcorn Chips. I am so glad they are now gone. I couldn’t stop eating them!
Meal 4:
I completely forgot I had a whole pound of salt-free deli turkey! This made for a happy snacker, as I had no idea what I was going to make. In a bowl I shredded up the turkey and tossed it with beets and broccoli slaw. Then I poured a quick sauce over it.
The sauce was just nutritional yeast, no-salt mustard, smoked paprika, coconut vinegar, and pepper. I didn’t bother to measure.
Meal 5:
If I told you I hadn’t been thinking about this meal all day long, I’d be lying. A tempeh-stuffed baked artichoke. I crumbled the tempeh and mixed it with marinara sauce, fresh rosemary, and minced garlic.
Topped with a runny egg. It took longer to bake than I’d hoped. I should have started earlier, because I didn’t eat dinner until 8:45p. And it could have baked a bit longer. Whatever. It was still good.
Leave it to me to take a vegan dish and top it with egg.
Meal 6:
I was forcing this down. After my late dinner I didn’t want meal 6, so I kept it light with some turkey and celery slices. Yawn.
Meal 7:
Dessert is always my favorite meal… yet I have the HARDEST time figuring out what I want to eat sometimes! I finally settled on my 150 Calorie Chocolate Microwave Cake, made with my Growing Naturals chocolate protein powder (purchased from iHerb - use code USO924 for a discount) and using carob powder in place of the cocoa powder.
This was topped with warmed strawberries. I heated the berries in the micro, mashed them up, and added a little ginger. Also a scoop of cottage cheese, cacao nibs, and cinnamon.
It’s a bit early for strawberries… but oh-so-good to have them back in my life. Is it spring yet?!
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Breakfast Bread Pudding
- 1 Ezekial english muffin (or other bread)
- 1/4 piece bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 C egg whites
- 1/4 C unsweetened almond milk (or other liquid)
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp butter extract
- 3-4 drops orange liquid stevia (or other sweetneer, to taste)
- 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
Prepare a coffee mug (I coated mine with coconut oil).
Tear English muffin into bits and place in mug. Crumble bacon over top.
In a small bowl, whisk or beat together egg whites, milk, chia seeds, spices, extracts, and sweetener until combined and a bit frothy.
Pour egg mixture over bread in mug, pressing down so bread is coated.
Microwave for 2:30-3 mins, until egg is cooked.
Enjoy!
***
The protein count for the day: 167.5g. Rawr.
What are your thoughts on food picture-taking in restaurants?
Do you have a “dessert” every night? What is your favorite?
76 comments
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Debbie
March 13, 2013 at 12:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was thinking the same thing about your vegan dish
. I’ll try ie sans egg.
I agree with you about restaurants and food photos. I do try to be discreet when I take pictures, but still, it is free advertising (unless the food really is bad
.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 2:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was a terrible vegan… but I love the food.
GiGi Eats Celebrities
March 13, 2013 at 1:01 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG you’re so right! Instagram really is just FREE ADVERTISING for restaurants!!!!! WTF – Lucky them!! I guess it could be free advertising for pretty much ANYTHING! Shit, I am advertising myself on there!! I mean, I have heard of people finding LOVE on Instagram… I am waiting for my knight in… iphone screen?
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 2:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love in IG?! Does that count as online dating?
GiGi Eats Celebrities
March 14, 2013 at 3:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Maybe?? Or maybe iPhone dating?! Or App dating? LOL This social media world is so confusing!
Sue
March 13, 2013 at 2:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always feel awkward taking photos in restaurants, so I rarely do it.
That stuffed artichoke looks great! I think I need to stuff something tonight.
My favorite late-night dessert is a simple piece of dark chocolate.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 2:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dark chocolate is the ONLY kind of chocolate.
Khushboo
March 13, 2013 at 3:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I read about that photo-taking ban in certain restaurants and thought it was crazy…why would anyone in there right mind turn up their nose to free advertising? Ah well each to their own
!
And your chicken combo looks amazing…..I’ve been having that combo in my salads lately and it’s so good with balsamic, feta and almonds thrown in!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 2:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love balsamic – I did it the other day with turkey and strawberries!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
March 13, 2013 at 5:17 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The group in Spain is SMART! They’re cashing in on all that free advertising.
Strawberries and avocado is one of my favorite combos. I’ve been devouring it on top of everything lately.
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig
March 13, 2013 at 5:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha well I will probably be the only person who leaves a comment like this, but I hate people who take photos of food! I can understand if it’s some super impressive presentation or something but I see people taking photos of their damn eggs in restaurants. From what I understand, the restaurants banning photography are upper-end. I have eaten at some Michelin star places (and the equivalent in Australia/Europe) and I would be horrified if someone whipped out their iphone to snap a pic. Way to look like a total hillbilly! OK, OK if you’re a food blogger but 90% of people aren’t. Maybe I’m just a bitch but it’s a big pet peeve of mine.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOL! I appreciate your honesty. We can never eat together.
TOni @ Runninglovingliving
March 13, 2013 at 6:23 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love all your food. I dont think restaurants should ban flash photography because it can beneft them, but they may also be thinking of it as a disadvantage if someone takes abad pic and posts it.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!!! I actually get the flash thing, but non-flash? Who is that bothering?
Miz
March 13, 2013 at 6:58 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
giggling at Taras comment and grateful this is one thing I DONT DO
I seem to be uh banned from everywhere else
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – that just makes me want to hang out with you more!
lindsay
March 13, 2013 at 7:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i want to learn how to take iPhone pics. Laura, ,we’d so rock that class, right? hehe.
bread pudding is MY FAV!!!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You already take awesome pics!!! But yeah we would rock it. We’d certainly be taking pics of the best FOOD!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
March 13, 2013 at 7:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think I’d be inclined to agree with you on the photography in restaurants thing – if you’re not using flash, who are you really bothering? And if you put the picture on Instagram (or a blog!) It’s basically free advertising.
I always need something sweet at the end of the night. Usually, I do greek yogurt with chocolate casein, stevia, some puffed rice cereal and crunchy peanut butter to top it off! I need to make your microwave cake sometime though, does it would work with casein?
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s been my go-to lately too! Or cottage cheese. I haven’t tried the cake with casin… mostly because I can’t stand casein. But if you try it let me know! I’m curious.
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
March 13, 2013 at 7:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree with you about the growing business. I don’t know that I’ve ever snapped and shared a photo of crappy food. Good food? Great food? Unique food? Heck yes! But not crappy.
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
March 13, 2013 at 8:04 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow. That breakfast bread pudding looks amazing. Oh, and I have a hard time remembering to take photos when I’m in a restaurant (hence my lack of restaurant reviews as of late). I think it should totally be okay if flash is not involved. Those pics you took of underground dinner during the weekend looked amazing!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! I forget a lot too – I get too excited when someone puts a plate in front of me!
Lee
March 13, 2013 at 8:11 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think the banning food photos is total BS. If I’m paying to go a restaurant and I’m not bothering any other customers (with a flash – I do understand that) then I should be able to do whatever I want with my camera or phone.
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance
March 13, 2013 at 8:13 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Tempeh stuffed baked artichoke? I’m intrigued. How did you make that? How do you eat the artichoke? Just pull the leaves off from underneath? It sounds very tasty!!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I removed the hairy middle, stuffed it and popped it in the over for a while… but not long enough. I need to do it again and I think soak the artichoke first. Will do some more experimenting!
Parita @ myinnershakti
March 13, 2013 at 8:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Please share the stuffed artichoke recipe! It looks amazing!
And dessert on most nights is a piece (or two) of super dark chocolate!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I will when I figure it out1 this was good, but definitely not there yet…
RavieNomNoms
March 13, 2013 at 8:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That looks like an awesome WIAW! I agree with Parita above, please share the stuffed artichoke recipe!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:39 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! I wil share it soon! Needs another round of experimenting…
Kat
March 13, 2013 at 8:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a yummy post! I’ve been avoiding all white starches except for rice but that but that bread sure looks good!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Not even Ezekial bread? That’s the one to eat, if you’re going to have it.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
March 13, 2013 at 9:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ooh, yay! I’ve been waiting for that breakfast bread pudding since seeing it on Instagram. I have Ezekial bread, not the muffins, but that should work, right?
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Defintiely! You may have to play with the liquid level a bit, but I think it should work the same.
Jody - Fit at 55
March 13, 2013 at 9:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
OMG – that bread pudding looks amazing!!! I got lots of bread at the show & lots from Ezekial so I am in luck!
I puts tons of cinnamon on everything. I buy the huge bottle from Costco!
Everything looks delish!!!!! Your chicken is so much prettier than mine!
I am a lazy cook so I just have a portion control amount if TJ’s cat cookies or their cinnamon alphabet cookies in the eve…
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome! It’s an easy one, right??
My chicken is super easy. I pound it out, put it on a pan, coat in spices and bake.
I love thinkig about you eating alphbet cookies. Makes me smile for some reason.
Kierston @candyfit
March 13, 2013 at 9:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I take food pics in restaurant with no flash. Most often times I opt not to take pics and simply enjoy the environment, company and food without being behind a lens
BUT, if he dish is like super pretty, the, I have to snap a pic lol
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m the same way sometimes. I often want to go relax, not be worried about taking notes on my dining experience.
Kat
March 13, 2013 at 10:03 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That bread pudding sounds like heaven on earth! What an easy/fun way to do it! I may try that soon!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Do it with truffle oil and bacon as a dinner side!!!
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
March 13, 2013 at 10:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Drooling over the chicken topped with avocado and strawberries. I’m craving fresh stuff like that so bad right now.
Kristina
March 13, 2013 at 10:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I put cinnamon on everything too…
meh, I know I am more present when I don’t think about taking photos. on the other hand, I do know that some of my reviews (with good no flash photos that did not bother anyone…) have gotten MANY views, and my favorite restaurant has had more than one person saying “I read about you on spabettie…” and get to meet the chef. this is a big debate – some argue just relax and enjoy, while others say once you give me the food it is mine to do with what I want… I guess as (frustratingly?) usual, I see both sides
Kristina
March 13, 2013 at 10:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh and GEEZ, I didn’t even say anything about your food! the bread pudding? yum! and the stuffed arti? YUM!!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I argue that you should be allowed to do what you want. When I’m in the mood, I take pics of everything. If I’m just out and relaxing/not feeling Instagram, I don’t worry about it. Also, I love when you do reviews… makes me realllly want to go to Portland.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
March 13, 2013 at 10:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love artichokes so this stuffed one is genius. Pure genius. Hopefully it was worth the wait….
With instragram now, it seems like everyone is taking food photos in restaurants, but I see it more as free advertising. Either way, no one has tried to stop me yet.
Alex @ therunwithin
March 13, 2013 at 10:43 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
my dad loves bread pudding, I have actually never had it before. all looks delicious!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 3:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My dad always loved it too! you have to try it sometime – the full-on dessert version is amazing too.
Heather (Where's the Beach)
March 13, 2013 at 10:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Really? I agree on the flash deal, but you’re absolutely right – adding a picture via instagram, posting it on foursquare, FB, twitter and tagging the restaurant is a great thing unless they’ve screwed up. It’s not like you’re giving away the recipe or anything.
I’ve been digging the broccoli slaw lately. And I just love beets.
Anonymous
March 14, 2013 at 4:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Do you roast your slaw? I love it wamred and almost burnt too. Need to buy more…
Heather (Where's the Beach)
March 14, 2013 at 4:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I haven’t roasted it yet – but I’ve seen lots of people do that.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Really, really good! I don’t know why my comment posted anon… apparently it wanted me to lurk my own blog…
Lisa
March 13, 2013 at 11:13 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I actually put cinnamon on everything, it’s like I’m addicted to that lovely spice.
I can’t help myself around it;)
This breakfast pudding sounds delightful!!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Forget variety, cinnamon is the new spice of life.
Nicole @ Fruit 'N' Fitness
March 13, 2013 at 11:49 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always feel kind of crazy taking pictures at restaurants but really it shouldn’t bother anyone and lots of the meals I eat out look better than ones i make at home.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I used to feel more weird about it, but now it seems like everyone is doing it!
Haley @ fullnfit
March 13, 2013 at 12:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
WHY YOU SO SMART? that bread pudding looks filling an YUMMY!!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
March 13, 2013 at 1:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Once I made “bread pudding” on the stove. This is even better. Also thanks for the reminder that I need to be roasted grapefruit again. That was such a winner of a snack last year. As for the tempeh-stuffed baked artichoke, I’ll take the recipe any time you want to give it to me. [Or is there already a link. I have to be honest, sometimes I can't tell because you are such a whiz with colored fonts.] And I’m glad I’m not the only person who eats things even if they might not be quite all the way done. (When I was little, I liked my pancakes undercooked. As in, straight up batter inside.)
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There’s not a link… I’m still working that one out. It was a good start, but it wasn’t quiiiite right. Re: the link – I try to always underline the links. And they should always be blue. I think.
My sister used to eat frozen waffles. Like straght from the freezer.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
March 13, 2013 at 1:58 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
mmmmm I want that bread pudding!!!! And the artichoke!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
March 13, 2013 at 4:35 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Banning food photography? But that doesn’t make a lick of sense – free advertising is right! I have to admit that I don’t take a lot of pics when I eat out because it makes me feel a bit strange, but I can’t see why they would put a ban on it. Goofy. And holy.wow does that bread pudding look amazing… it even knocks my [beloved] nightly yogurt messes out of the park…
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Puh-lease. Your yogurt messes are always rockstar. That’s usually one of my nighttime go-tos too! Or cottage cheese messes. Mmmmm…
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count
March 13, 2013 at 5:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The bread pudding and the artichoke look so good, Laura! I can always count on you to make me hungry!!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you, Fran! Good to see you coming up for a little air… stay out of that water!
Bonnie
March 13, 2013 at 11:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Alright my friend. It’s been ages since I’ve commented, but I’ve been browsing! Making your last meal/dessert right now and thanking you for it!
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you Bonnie!!! How did it turn out?
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate
March 14, 2013 at 12:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think you may be the queen of adding bacon in unexpected places, and it totally works every single time
. Anything with a sweet/savory combo is perfection in my book, though.
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I find that title oddly flattering. LOL!
Thank you!
CCU
March 14, 2013 at 1:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks most addictive my friend
Gorgeous recipe!
Cheers
CCU
Laura
March 14, 2013 at 4:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Enjoy your break-ish.
Allison @ Life's a Bowl
March 14, 2013 at 7:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love pairing protein with fruit! We’ve been using TJ’s taco seasoning on everything lately – it was extra tasty in this week’s beef burgers
Hannah
March 14, 2013 at 8:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Babe, I have at least 5 desserts every night. SNACKING QUEENS UNITE.
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 12:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
5?! I’m moving in with you. Blame Canada.
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 15, 2013 at 3:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Damn! Only YOU can motivate me to try a new breakfast AND sabotage that motivation all within a 12 hour period! I was just sitting here thinking, I have GOT to try that bread pudding (such a sucker for bread pudding…I will be a tough critic on this one, love)…then I remembered I used ALL…yes every.last.one…of my egg whites on your spaghetti pie for dinner!! Blarg!! All the more reason to con the man-friend into driving me to Sam’s Club this weekend to load up I guess!
Ohh, I hope they have the motorized cart thingies…#dontjudgeme #itsthelittlethings
Ugh, can you believe I DID forget about my no salt turkey?! I “found” it yesterday and pulled it out of the crisper and after one whiff was like, “Oh HELL no!”…that along with a whole cucumber, a mango, and half an onion! Damn my OCD foodie mind! When will I ever learn!
And you know I agree with you 100% on the foodie pictures…HELLOOOOOO?! It’s FREE advertising you schmucks! Get over yourselves!
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 12:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welllll… it was worth it, no? AND it gives you an excuse to go ride around in one of those snazzy motorized carts again. (I’m not going to lie – I was a little jealous…)
Please throw out the turkey. Why did you even smell it?! #barf
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
March 15, 2013 at 3:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ha! Well, it wasn’t a testing measure by any means…as soon as I pulled it from the fridge, I could smell it! Still doesn’t beat the time I found a science experiment “growing” in an opened can of tomato paste! Ugh, haunted my dreams for weeks! Lol
Laura
March 15, 2013 at 3:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh lawd… I did that once with coffee grinds. I don’t make coffee often and I’m terrible about cleaning. Oops.