Improving Your Dining ExperienceBy Katharine Branham - info@katharinebranham.com When deciding to dine out, much planning goes into where and when. For a special evening or an enjoyable night with friends, it is essential. This is really the key to a great evening. In fact, I have often over heard waiting groups outside restaurants complaining about the length of time they have waited. When you step back and look at the time or the quality of food that you are waiting for, it should be the only explanation you need. This wait would be avoided with a call for reservations.
Of course, maybe this was not configured into the deciding choice when you left for dinner. The key is to make reservations, and making reservations at locations that are tried-and-true. A restaurant that usually requires reservations to accommodate their entire guest list won't have you wait countless minutes while you starve.
Restaurants that require reservations, or allow you to call ahead for a table, are not always costly. There are plenty of great dining places that will reserve tables, upon request, within various prices ranges. It is a must for those who have made Friday night-“dine-out” night. You should have reservations made every week at the beginning of the week. This ensures you a table for the time slot you need.
Once you have mastered reservations you can then work on quality and not just convenience. I have a dear friend who has continued to frequent a spot just for the location. She complains after every experience there, yet continues to go. I have simply mentioned trying a spot a few blocks up. This is where the drama comes in.
She whines about not knowing the food or what it is like. Come on now, that falls under the category of ‘change or lack thereof’. I decided one night to make reservations at a fantastic place that is nearby. Then she complained to me about having to try this place or the inconvenience of having to travel a few more blocks. As she walked in, I could tell she was surprised by the atmosphere and the scene of happy faces around the room. I waved her in and as she sat the smile on the face was fresh and sincere. At that very moment, I knew she would have the dining experience she desired and deserved. We laughed and ate; and by the end of the meal, she was quit pleased. Now she requests my restaurant picks with great enthusiasm.
There are many who have been in my friend’s shoes. Like her you can find a perfect spot for you. You have worked all week and deserve an enjoyable evening out. So stop paying for mediocre service and food. You owe these tired out places nothing. In fact, some have no idea they fall short and are often surprised when business tapers off and they lock the doors for good.
Enjoying an evening of great food and service is what we all want. Pamper yourself and improve your lifestyle by simply changing the quality of restaurants you visit. This will ensure you one way to enjoy the fine art of dining out.
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