 Dining Out: Kelp on a Budget
by halondrus
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Kelp is, without question, the most expensive restaurant in all of Neopia. Because of this, it has gained quite a reputation for affluence, where only the most elite of Neopians dine with regularity. Some Neopians save up for years just for the chance to dine in at this exclusive restaurant, just to order the most expensive things on the menu, while others may sit outside and hope for any leftovers of any kind. Even those who dine in are regularly hoping they get enough they can take to their Neohome to enjoy later. So nice everyone would eat it twice. While you can order the most expensive things on the menu, should you choose (Fresh Oysters, Ocean Platter, Octopi Souffle, and Twirly Fruit Blend by the way), you can also dine in on a budget. But you need to be prepared with your order ahead of time and go in with confidence so you don’t look too out of place since you do have to order from every course on the menu in order to not insult the chef. That’s where I come in. This guide to Kelp will make sure you don’t break the bank but also get your money’s worth while remaining conscious of any dietary restrictions. You will be able to say at least once in your life, “I’ve been there!” for others to be jealous. And maybe, just maybe, you can afford to go back and, if luck is on your side, even score some leftovers. Outfit Before we get to the actual food, you need to make sure you are up to dress code. Kelp didn’t get its reputation for nothing. You have to dress your best in order to fit in or they will turn you away. They do not have anything you can borrow, so you'd better get shopping if all that is in your wardrobe are Disintegrated Tops or Cuffed Ripped Trousers. That includes all the babies and mutants; there are nice clothes for you all too!     Something simple such as a 25th Anniversary Silver Tuxedo Outfit or Pretty Rose Print Dress, will absolutely get you in the door. Separates are fine as well as long as they match, such as in the example Silver Sequined Top and Essential Black Pants. It’s all about looking good and as you belong, worthy of being in the chef’s fine establishment.    Unique body types could wear a Baby Tuxedo Sleeper, a Mutant Valentine Tuxedo, or a Maraquan Scaled Dress and fit in beautifully. Finish off your outfit with some nice shoes, styled hair, and accessories of your choosing. Or keep it simple and do without the accessories, but keep in mind that shoes are required for entry. This isn’t Tyrannian Foods, after all. Appetiser The two cheapest things on the menu are Angel Hair Salad and Tropical Fruit Bowl, each going for 13,000 Neopoints. While these are perfectly fine choices to ensure you stay as cheap as possible, it should be noted that the strategy of just going for the cheapest items might not be the most filling. They might not even be the most tasty once you look down at the rest of the menu. If you have the ability to save a bit more, it may be worth going for these other options.  For just 1,300 more Neopoints, you can upgrade to their Succulent Cheese Dip. A mountain of aged cheddar cheese dip served with fresh chives, all in a beautiful glass. There are various chips and breads provided for you to use as your cheese vessel, with the breads all made fresh daily in house.  If you are a vegan or are gluten free a Mixed Green Salad will only run you 13,400 Neopoints and come with a full day’s worth of servings of leafy greens piled up higher than you thought was even possible. It is then topped with nuts and a fresh balsamic for a bright, year-round summertime flavour. This salad will certainly be more exciting than your typical garden variety. Main Course  Maraqua is known for its ocean depths, and Kelp is known for their Fish Special, which will set you back 32,500 Neopoints. It is delicious, and if you’re here just once for the experience, it may be something you wish to splurge on since you can find your savings elsewhere. The dish is made from locally sourced wild-caught fish, so while the exact taste may be a little different every day, the quality will never waver.  A Braised Turkey Cutlet will only run you 29,000 Neopoints. These tender and juicy slices of turkey are braised to utter perfection, with lettuce and carrots on the side.  Don’t fret if you don’t eat meat. A Luxurious Vegetarian Star Pie is available for 29,100 Neopoints. Similar to a quiche, this dish is made with Grunions and Zeevines in a fun and fancy star shape, giving a bit of pizazz and sophistication to the dish. Dessert  No meal is complete without dessert, especially one as delicious as one here at Kelp. Kelps Signature Ice Cream is their signature and famous Neopia wide for a reason for a reason. For just 12,100 Neopoints, you can get Neopia’s most talked-about ice cream and see what all the fuss is about for yourself. Unique to Maraqua, this ice cream is made with locally grown kelp mixed in with delicious creamy vanilla based ice cream. Cocktail  For just 8,000 Neopoints you can obtain one of their most delicious and unique drinks, Aged Tchea Juice. The Tchea Juice is aged in a barrel for five years to give it a unique and strong flavour that enhances the characteristics of the Tchea. The shape of the glass helps aerate the juice and brings out the bold flavour of the Tchea Fruit. With just a little saving and possibly compromising, you too can eat like King Kelpbeard without completely breaking the bank. Bon appétit!
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