So you've downloaded Menu Buddy from the App Store—welcome to the future of dining! This powerful iOS app is designed to be intuitive, but like any sophisticated tool, there are tips and tricks that can elevate your experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to become a Menu Buddy power user.
Setting Up Menu Buddy: Quick Start Guide
A well-configured profile is the key to accurate recommendations.
- Open the App & Create Your Profile: Be thorough! List all allergies (peanuts, soy, etc.), select diets (Vegan, Keto), and add preferences ("no cilantro," "love spicy food").
- You're Ready! Your profile is saved and will be automatically applied every time you scan a menu.
How to Ask About Allergies, Ingredients, and Diets
Once you've scanned a menu, open the chat and be direct. The AI understands natural language. Try these examples:
- Allergies: "Are there any nuts in the Pesto Pasta?" or "Which dishes are 100% dairy-free?"
- Ingredients: "Does the house dressing contain anchovies?"
- Diets: "Find me a Paleo-friendly main course."
Getting Personalized Dish Suggestions
Want to move beyond just safety and find something you'll truly enjoy? Use the AI's recommendation power. Tell it what you're in the mood for, like "I want something comforting and cheesy," or "Suggest a light and refreshing salad."
Exploring Specials and Seasonal Menus with Menu Buddy
If the restaurant has a separate sheet for daily specials, simply take another picture. Menu Buddy can analyze multiple images for a single meal. You can then ask, "Which of today's specials are vegetarian?"
Think of Menu Buddy as your personal food detective. Give it the clues (your preferences), and it will solve the case (finding your perfect meal).
Tips and Tricks for Power Users
- Use the "Explain" Command: Ask, "Explain 'sous-vide'."
- Price Filtering: On a budget? Try, "Find me a chicken dish under $20."
- Combine Everything: Create complex queries like, "Suggest a spicy, gluten-free appetizer without shellfish that's under $15."
By mastering these features, you transform Menu Buddy from a simple utility into an indispensable part of your dining-out ritual. Download it today on iOS and start dining like a pro.