Everyone has different likes and dislikes, wants and needs. What stands out for me when I'm dining out? For me to have a positive experience I need a combination of, if not most of the following elements:
1. The place should be clean and inviting
If I walk into a place and it's dirty, chances are I'll walk out. This could include dirty table cloths, floors, cutlery, clothing on the staff, glasswear, washrooms (At times clients can be the culprits for this one. Women's washrooms can be scary, can't speak for the guys. Keep in mind your Mom doesn't work there so please be considerate of others and clean up after yourself! No need to pee on the seat or inappropriately dispose of your personal items.) Enough said. If there's dust on fixtures and plants, the bar, dirty windows, etc. they obviously don't care about their customers or their image. I don't expect to be able to eat off the floors or walls, but when storing and preparing foods you have to be careful. The last thing you want is to make clients sick. Salmonella poisoning from bad chicken landed me in hospital for a week so I don't take chances. The same applies when I entertain at home. Be mindful and considerate of cross contamination and allergies which seem to be running rampant these days.
2. Polite and welcoming staff
When calling for reservations or arriving at the restaurant, feeling welcome and hearing a cheery voice at the other end of the phone adds to a positive experience. Even when something does go wrong, if it is well handled, you feel understood and are appropriately accommodated the experience remains positive. You don't want to feel like you're a burden or annoyance. Yes those of us that have worked in the hospitality business or retail have seen it all. There are times when no matter how hard you try, you can't please everyone. At the end of the day making the effort and maintaining a smile is what counts.
3. Consistency
I tend to be a creature of habit, so if I have a favourite dish it should always taste the same. This is a tough one to maintain. I'd say many restaurants that fail can probably attribute it to this. It's really disappointing when you're all excited and craving a particular dish only to be let down because it tastes nothing like it did the last 3 times. We all have bad days, but when you're paying you expect the same quality and flavours, especially if the menu hasn't changed. Loyal customers might be forgiving and give you another shot or two. Eventually if the consistency isn't there, chances are you'll lose them. Beyond frustrating when you notice they are cutting corners sacrificing quality for the bottom line while raising their prices. Yes a restaurant is a business trying to make money, but there are ways to maintain quality without negatively impacting your product, your reputation and most importantly your customers. Personally I have no issue paying for quality. After all, you get what you pay for.
4. Variety and originality
When it comes to food I'm adventurous and always game for trying something new. It's exciting when you read a menu with exotic sounding ingredients, spices or preparations you've never tried. The way dishes are described further fuels my curiosity and the urge to try it. It's like they can create a craving where one didn't exist!
5. Ambiance
Like most, I choose the restaurant based on the reason for the outing. If it's a girls night out to celebrate a birthday or bachelorette, I want somewhere more festive with music, fancy cocktails and more of an appetizer or sharing plates menu. For family celebrations definitely somewhere more kid friendly. Some where fun and where I'm not going to worry about my youngest escaping from the table if she suddenly can't sit while the rest of us are finishing up. Bonus if they have activities or a play area kids can enjoy. If I have more of a romantic dinner in mind, I want somewhere cozy where the lights are dim, music plays softly in the background, candles, perhaps a place that has more private booths or sections and a more unique and eclectic menu. For business or lunch with colleagues I need quick service with a certain level of privacy depending on what is being discussed. This could also translate into a food truck or take out, depending on the circumstances Coffee and dessert can be exciting too when you don't have much time or don't want to have an entire meal. Different venues suit or accommodate your mood or needs, you just have to know where to go.
In any case I don't want to feel rushed, one of the primary reasons why I refuse to go out for dinner on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day or Father's Day. Usually I'm not one to linger for hours after I've finished my meal, but if I want to stay a while longer to chit chat or have another coffee, I don't want to be shown the door.
6. Price
Price usually encompasses all of the above elements. I have no issue paying for quality and good service. Again price can also be dependent on the reason for the outing. For a romantic celebration you want something more upscale and fancy where you feel pampered and spoiled so chances are prices will be higher. Exotic menus and ingredients will also fetch a higher price. Surprisingly some little "holes in the wall" have the best food at the most reasonable prices. When visiting other cities, just ask the locals for their recommendations. As long as I feel like I'm getting my money's worth, I'm content with pretty much anything.
Another reason for avoiding outings on the dates I mentioned above. The whole double or triple the price for a set menu and you have a maximum of 2 hours to finish and leave because they have 1 or 2 more sittings to accommodate that night. Valentine's Day and New Years are notorious for this. The menus are way overpriced, you may not like all of the choices (usually they don't allow substitutions on these special nights) and the quality and service are usually not the greatest. In short, I'm not going to pay for fast food service where I'm going to be shoved out the door at a so called upscale restaurant. I'll go another night where we can sit and stare into each other's eyes all night after we finish our dinner! :)
7. Mood
My mood will also affect my choices. Don't we all have those "I need to overload on sugar days" or others where you feel guilty for over indulging all week and you need to "eat light" to compensate? When it's cold out or I'm sad, I want comfort food. Happy memories are often connected to food, at least in our home they were. Nothing reminds me more of home than a thick rich soup or stew like Mom used to make. That bacalao in Barcelona almost brought me to tears. Food can invoke emotions and fuel passion.
All of the above and probably other factors play a huge role in my food and/or restaurant choices, but at times experimenting in the kitchen at home and eating in or attending a dinner party at a friend's can be just as fun and even more delicious!
Food is one of life's simple pleasures, enjoy it!
Carm the Foodie
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