We don't know whether TV cook Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has ever visited Kalkan, but we reckon that he would be impressed with the standard of cuisine on offer in this small town on the Turquoise Coast.

However, we guess that he would not be so impressed with the amount of quality food that is simply thrown away. 

The famous master chef, and many of his peers are calling on diners to ask for doggy bags, to cut down on this waste of food.  KTLN echoes that call.

Just consider how many restaurants there are in Kalkan.  And also, think about the portion sizes in some restaurants.  It is often a major achievement to manage a starter, main course and dessert.  We are talking about a scandalous waste of quality food here.

So what is stopping you from asking for a doggy bag?  Embarrassment?  Our trademark British shyness?  Afraid that your fellow diners are looking down their noses at you?  Not wanting to appear like you are scrounging something?  The fact that you don't own a dog?

Well, consider this.  You have paid for 100% of what arrives on your plate.  It's yours.  Why should you be content to leave say 33% of it behind?  There is nothing wrong with it.  It will not turn into a festering mess in 24 hours - you can still eat it and survive.

Worried about your image?  Don't be.  You are in good company.  Hugh F-W has asked for, and been given doggy bags in Michelin rated establishments.  Master chef Albert Roux does it all the time.  Quite frankly, if it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.

Need another reason?  Have two.  Firstly, if you know you can take the leftovers home, you won't be tempted to cram every last mouthful, leaving you uncomfortably stuffed.  Secondly, it is compliment to the restaurant, that you enjoyed the food so much you don't want the bits you are too full to eat to be simply chucked away.

What kind of response can you expect if you ask for a doggy bag in Kalkan?  A positive one, if our enquiries are anything to go by.  We don't want to name any specific restaurants, but in a survey of five Kalkan eating establishments, every single one was happy to oblige.  Just ask for 'paket servis'.

So there you have it (well, you do if you ask for it).  If you can't woof it down, ask for a doggy bag.

Click here for a Telegraph article on this topic.  Doggy bags cut waste

And we haven't even mentioned the crazy unwritten law of the universe that is the 'Best Before Date'.  How much waste does that account for.  We will save that one for another time.