A Foodie’s
Guide to An Amazing Dining Experience
Finding
a new and great restaurant can be like finding that proverbial needle in a haystack.
Whether you’re in a new city or trying to find a great spot in your hometown,
the process for finding a delicious upscale spot or a wonderful
hole-in-the-wall is the same. Follow the guide below to find your next new and
favorite place to eat!
Finding Your Spot - Start off by asking for
opinions! But be sure to ask someone who is on your epicurean level—you
wouldn’t want to ask about fine-dining establishments of someone who only likes
hole-in-the-wall places. Next, check online reviews. Reviews can be confusing
but there are a few things to keep in mind: 1) There is a HUGE difference
between a 4-star rating and a 4.5 and above rating. Personally, I would try to
start my search with those restaurants that earned at least a 4.5 rating. 2)
What time of day or night are they open? Filter your search by breakfast,
lunch, or dinner. 3) Next, you can fine-tune your search to include things like: what type of cuisine you are after, does the
establishment accept reservations (more below on this) and, of course, the
location in which you’d like to dine. Pro tip: I always compare at least two
review apps because you’ll start to see a consensus on those restaurants that
have great ratings, no matter which app is rating them. Finally, try to avoid
chain restaurants because you can go to those anywhere/anytime.
Reservations - Make a reservation if you can!
Making reservations is always a win-win because it guarantees you a table, you
won't have to wait as long, and based on the number of reservations in the system,
the restaurant can gauge inventory and labor needed in order
to provide you with a better dining experience. If you want something
specific… ask for it! Whether that specific request is a: table outside, or
maybe you’re in a hurry and you want the waitstaff to know ahead of time? Or
perhaps this is your anniversary or it’s a loved-ones
birthday? Most restaurants will try their best to accommodate your specific
needs.
Prices - Pricing is a no brainer: you get
what you pay for. Organic, exotic or high-quality
ingredients always equate to a higher price tag, as does expert presentation
and alluring ambience. If quality means something to you, then the extra
expense will be worth it.
Ordering - Wine and cocktails can be an added bonus to a great meal. When a restaurant has a
creatively gifted bartender, always ask for his/ her recommendations, or ask
your server for a listing of libations that pair well with your particular meal. However, there’s no shame in eating your
meal with a glass of water, as water allows you to taste all the flavors of
your meal in their purest form. You can always have a cocktail or a nice glass
of wine as your bookend to cap off a great culinary experience. When ordering
food, ask your server for suggestions, but try to narrow down your choices to
those things you know you’d enjoy. And don't be afraid to try new things that
might be out of your comfort zone!
Experience and Other Thoughts - Bring a friend! Better
yet, bring a group of foodie friends with you and enjoy not only the fabulous
cuisine, but also the social aspect! There’s always something to be said for
great food enjoyed among great company.
Expectations In Check - Don’t have preconceived
expectations upon experiencing a new restaurant. Clear your mind and allow the
food to speak for itself. As can be the case in dating or watching a movie,
sometimes the best ones take you by surprise!
Leaving Reviews and Tipping - Reviews are a great way to
give your opinion, both online and off! Give kudos where kudos is due and
feedback, both negative and positive. Face to face, good or bad, this really
helps owners understand what they’re doing well and what still needs
improvement. I also say, regardless the scenario, negative feedback is ALWAYS
an opportunity for the restaurant to improve. Where online reviews are
concerned, take a moment to assess whether or not you
are being fair in your judgements (both positive and negative). If your
experience was flawless, but there was a water spot on your fork, put that
water spot into context. And don't be the person who only leaves bad reviews,
but never takes the time to give credit where credit is due. As the saying
goes: “vote with your dollars”. A word on tipping: if you felt like your
waitstaff did a great job, let them know! If they didn’t, then allow your tip
to reference as much.
By
James