Potatopia

Even for dishes that don't have a swaggering name like the Comatoser, portions are universally big at Potatopia (Poe-tah-Toe-pee-ah). Many of my fellow customers fought the good fight but left some spuds behind. I hate to waste, as you can see, but my workout session later that day was conducted at reduced speed.

In a "signature" meal like the Comatoser ($7.75), the quantities of skin-on potato slices, multiple cheeses, various dressings, and whatnot have been figured in advance (though potatoes are cooked, and the dish is assembled, to order). My serving was too salty, probably due to lots of granular bacon bits, and heavy on the cilantro, too. Although the "build your own" options can seem bewildering, you're probably better off fine-tuning your dish just as at any salad bar. Talk over the ingredients with your dining buddy, and then ask for two forks.

Potatopia
378 Sixth Ave. (West 8th St.-Waverly-Pl.), Manhattan
212-260-4100
Also at 422 Menlo Park (in the Menlo Park Mall), Edison, New Jersey
732-549-7300
www.Potatopia.com