Wish List for Dining Out
November 5th, 2011 by kitsapdiningI’ve been reviewing restaurants for over a year now and very much enjoy it.
Just this week I was dining in a local restaurant when I got to realizing how particular I’ve become due to my reviewing. I think this is partly due to comparing venues and partly due to refining expectations for restaurants plus the media I research on the same subject — what makes a restaurant successful and what are the do’s/don’t's for said success.
As I sat having lunch, I started to develop my ‘wish list’ as it were for what I hope to receive when I dine out – what my expectations are for making the meal a success and this should go the same for any caliber venue be it casual, fast food or fine dining.
First and foremost, I don’t like to be kept waiting when I arrive – a friendly hello is imperative even if I can’t be seated immediately. I also expect to have just as good a table as a larger party if I’m dining alone – for example, if the table has issues with it (wobbly legs, etc.) find me another one even if the only one available is destined for a larger party – that makes me feel like I am a less important patron and the tip will reflect it I assure you because I will be very anxious to dine expeditiously and depart if I can’t dine in comfort.
Second, I am a firm believer in the bottomless soda, water or coffee… or whatever I’m drinking – don’t hover but make sure that I always have something to drink.
Third, this is a big pet peeve of mine – appetizers are to be served ‘before’ the meal not at or after the meal. This has happened to me many times and on what planet does one want their appetizer with their entree?? Unless I am ordering only an appetizer – use your common sense because I will send the entree back to the kitchen if I haven’t yet received my appetizer or request it removed from my tab.
These are all little things but they make a dining experience that much better — for people like myself who thoroughly enjoy dining out – make it an experience for us because it’s not just a ‘meal’ for us, it should be seen as an event and we should be treated like you would treat a guest for dinner in your home. Along that note — smile, converse, be friendly – it’s not too much to ask to present yourself as if you enjoy being there. There are restaurants I go to frequently just for the servers – but I know when the ‘good ones’ are serving and when I shouldn’t attempt to dine. A frequent customer should always be remembered and the excellent servers remember you with a smile every time even if you’re not at their table.
These are just a few little things that I thought of…. what’s on your wish list…. diners deserve the best from restaurants and when you don’t get it — say so or it won’t be corrected.
Happy Dining!
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
November 15th, 2011 at 10:52 am
I’m a diabetic and most restaurants offer diet cola or water. I choose water. My pet peeve is when they serve a glass of water that tastes like it came from the mop bucket. I suspect this is mostly from a dirty ice machine.
On a recent vacation to Disneyland, we ate at the Rainforest Cafe at Downtown Disney. Their water was disgusting, kind of ironic at a water themed restaurant.
January 8th, 2012 at 8:24 pm
My wishlist includes:
1. Seat me and take my order promtly.
2. Ensure that the kitchen gets my order out promtly.
3. After you bring me my food, pay attention to my table but avoid asking me if I am happy every 3 – 4 minutes, especially when I have just taken a bite of food. I will get your attention if I need something.
4. Ensure that you get my check to the table before I complete my meal.
Follow those recommendations, and you receive a generous tip.