As kids growing up, when we went out to a restaurant, what we ordered was routine (thank goodness I outgrew that phase).  Even though Mom had it memorized and could have easily ordered for us, from as early as I can remember she insisted we order our own meal (and take our elbows off the table).  The server would take our drink order first, mine was always Ginger Ale.  Then they’d come back and take our meal order, mine was always a Grilled Cheese Sandwich and a cup of Clam Chowder.  Always.  When you grow up in New England, it’s not a matter of whether Clam Chowder is the ‘soup of the day’….it will always be on the menu.