Maybe there’s a special occasion on the cards, an important anniversary, an exciting birthday, a celebration of some other kind. Whatever it is, you’re planning to enjoy fine dining on the big night. But what, exactly, does ‘fine dining’ involve, and what can you expect from the experience? Here’s the low-down.
Firstly, quality sits right at the heart of fine dining. Quality ingredients, setting, decor, atmosphere, service, wine, tableware and everything else. Real fine dining is all about perfection at every stage, from start to finish. You should leave the restaurant with memories that won’t fade, feeling a million dollars. You’ve been cherished, cared for, respected, and treated to nothing but the best every step of the way.
The fine dining experience is more sophisticated than most. It’s unique. And it costs more than an average restaurant. In fact it’s traditionally the most expensive dining experience. The service will be exceptional, a very high standard provided by dedicated professionals who’ve been trained to deliver experience and knowledge as well as contributing to the overall elegance of the event. The tables are set to perfection, like something from a movie. The silverware glistens, the candles glow, the tablecloth is absolutely spotless, the lighting is perfect, and the background music doesn’t intrude.
Say you book a fine dining experience at one of the best restaurants in Mayfair, London. When you arrive the greeting will be relatively formal, exactly what you’d expect when you’ve dressed for the occasion, looking your very best and feeling the part. Small details matter a lot. The glasses and tableware, for example, are picked up by the base so they stay spotlessly clean. Your server won’t reach across you, they’ll clear the crockery and cutlery attentively but unobtrusively, taking care not to interrupt your flow. You might even find a restaurant with its very own unique china and cutlery. And new wine is never poured into the same glass as the previous bottle. Little things like this, subtle little touches, make all the difference.
There’s no rush. Because fine dining is usually a multi-course affair, you’re expected to take your time. It’s wonderful not feeling rushed, not feeling like you need to hurry up and finish because the restaurant needs your table for the next setting.
The menu has been painstakingly created by a talented chef, which means changes and substitutions aren’t on the cards. This is perfect food. You might choose the Prix Fixe menu, a set menu with one or only a few choices. An A la Carte menu provides an extensive main course menu. And a Taster Menu is a thrilling way to experiment, discovering all sorts of delicious delights at the same time.
Perfect attention to detail. Precise execution. Exceptional food. Fantastic service. A fine dining restaurant offers top-notch experiences from beginning to end. It can involve an eclectic blend of cuisines and concepts, or something supremely simple. But the fine detail behind absolutely everything has been honed to perfection. As a guest in a fine dining restaurant, you pay for the entire experience… and it’s worth every penny.
No matter what dining experience you wish to create, no restaurant can survive with bad food safety and hygiene habits. To learn more on where germ hotspots are in your restaurant, please see the resource below.
Provided by restaurant soak tank maker FOG Tank