Feasting like a Pro: Tips and Tricks for Fine Dining

From the humble beginnings of local restaurants to the cutting-edge concepts of high-end chefs, dining has been a part of our culture for as long as we’ve been able to eat. It may have changed from restaurant to restaurant over the years, but the essence of fine dining has not: The experience. From the moment you walk into a fine dining establishment, it is important to ensure that your experience is one of true refinement and quality.

Here are six ways to help ensure that your next dinner out is a winning combination of food, wine, and formality.

Always, always order from the list.

One of the best things about dining is that you don’t have to decide what you want to eat just yet. A concierge will help you select the perfect entree from a list that may include several types of dishes, as well as recommendations on wines to pair with each dish. It is important to always ask for assistance when ordering, especially if you are a first-time visitor and don’t know the menu well. Knowing the items on the menu, as well as the wine list, can make ordering easier. If you don’t know the items well, a good rule of thumb is to ask for help selecting your meal before you sit down. You will thank me for this the next time you’re in a restaurant and things get a little sticky.

Eat in or have a waitstaff help you choose your entrees?

If you are dining in, it is important to remember that the waitstaff is there to help you. Not only should the waitstaff be able to assist you with food and drink choices, but they should be able to help out with the ambiance, service, and any other aspect of the experience that you might not be able to handle on your own. This may mean that you want to sit at the bar and order drinks for the table, or that you want to let your waitstaff choose your meal for you. Whatever your preference, having a waitstaff help you make your selections can make the difference between a good meal and an amazing one. If you are not able to sit at the bar or have a waitstaff help you choose your entrees, it is important that you ask for help with the other aspects of the meal as well. This can be done by saying something like, “I would like the lamb wrapped in bacon, please.” Having the waitstaff help you choose your meals can help you save time while still ensuring that you receive the best possible service.

Take a look at your surroundings before dinner.

It is important to take a look around you before you sit down for dinner at a restaurant. By doing this, you will be able to better assess the quality of the service, the food, and the ambiance of the restaurant. Are the lights dimmed a little too much? Are the tables getting in the way of the decor? Are there any signs of dust or grime anywhere? These are all things that the waitstaff will notice, and can either lead to a rough evening or a pleasant evening. Keep in mind that a dirty table or chairs can be fixed before you sit down, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you see something out of order. Another thing to take notice of is the service itself. Are the staff members always smiling and pleasant? Are they taking any shortcuts or being crude with one another? If you notice these things, it can either lead to a very bad experience or a great a one. Take the time to look around your surroundings and take note of any problems you might be able to fix before dining.

Wine plays an important part in any dining experience.

Wine is a part of every meal at a restaurant, but it is especially important when dining at dining establishments. A great way to get a feel for what types of wines are being used at different restaurants is to do a wine tour with a local. Pack your travel wine bag (or two), and head to a restaurant that you are excited about visiting and ask the waitstaff to give you a taste of the wines that they use there. Ask them about the style of the wine and whether they would recommend the wine to others. This will give you a good idea of what to expect when you sit down for your meal.

Let your guests help with the meal.

If you are not comfortable taking on the tasks that come with hosting a meal for your guests, or you are not able to do so during your visit, there are plenty of services that can help out. If you decide that you would like to have your guests help with the meal, there are plenty of options for this. You can have your friends bring a dish or two to share, or you can have a server help you pick and mix the ingredients for your meal. Let your guests help out with the meal by saying, “Let me give you guys a table for five.” This will ensure that they have plenty of room to maneuver while still giving you some assistance.

Make it a point to say “Thank You” and “It was great meeting you” after dinner.

If you are feeling particularly generous, say “Thank you” and “It was great meeting you” to every guest as they leave your table. This will not only show your guests that you appreciate their company, but it will help you to move forward with a happier heart. These small acts of kindness can go a long way toward moving the clientele away from the negative and toward the positive.

Let service be as personal as possible.

If you are able to, sit at the counter or the bar during meals at fine dining establishments. This will help to ensure that you receive the best possible service from your waitstaff. It can also help to avoid the more formal areas of the restaurant and focus more on the experience itself. When you are at the bar or counter, it is also important to order an appropriate drink for the occasion. This may mean ordering a non-alcoholic drink for those who may be drinking at home or it may mean seeking out a specialty cocktail that you have been seeking out. If you are able to, order a dessert for your end of the meal to go with your meal. This will help to make the most of your dessert while also helping to cleanse your palate before you head home.

To put it simply, if you are looking for a night out that is truly memorable, you will want to book a meal at a restaurant as soon as possible. Whether you are looking for a special treat or are looking for a quick and inexpensive meal, you can find a meal at Midtown’s best restaurants. Whether you are looking for fine dining or a quick casual meal, you will not be disappointed by the choices that Midtown has to offer. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. So, the next time you are in the mood for fine dining, try to think of Midtown’s best restaurants and order accordingly.