center-of-the-plate cost
n.β Β«Because whole grains offer long-lasting satisfaction, they offset what the hospitality industry calls βcenter-of-the-plate costsββthe expensive, high-protein foods, often rich in saturated fats, that are traditionally served in all too generous portions.Β» ββGetting Your Grains β and Greens, Too” by Martha Rose Shulman New York Times Mar. 23, 2009. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)