Why Fine Dining is Still Important

In the rush today of an ever-changing society, fine dining still has its place. Sure there are times when casual dining will suit your purposes. But when you experience a fine dining meal at an exceptional restaurant, you will truly discover the meaning of dining out.

We dine out at nice restaurants to celebrate occasions. Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and retirements are all reasons to celebrate.

You go for the experience it provides. You feel important when you arrive. Hopefully, you have reservations and your table is waiting for you. The host will show you to your table, perhaps placing your napkin in your lap, presenting you with the menu. Often you are welcomed to the restaurant as though you are an important guest – which you are. A wine menu is provided and perhaps a sommelier will stop by and help you select the wine based on what you might be ordering.

The service is impeccable. You don’t have to wait long for the server to arrive, often telling you of the evening specials. The server will be well prepared with any questions you might have. They have tried most if not all of the dishes on the menu, including the specials. The server will provide still or sparkling water and maybe a bread basket.

When your first course is served, you admire the beautifully prepared dishes that might never have come out of your own kitchen. The flavors and aromas compete with the visual splendor. Wine is decanted and served with much ceremony. You can relax and enjoy your wine that has been expertly paired with your meal.

 

In order to enjoy all of this, it is important to remember you are an active participant. The restaurant you chose has done everything they can to provide this experience. They have considered the lighting, the sounds, the smells, small details you haven’t even noticed. How your meal is plated. The shape of the cutlery you are using.

Therefore you need to do everything you can to heighten the experience. Dress the part of the diner they are expecting. How can you enjoy all the restaurant is offering when you wear your everyday clothes? When you have dressed appropriately, you are showing the restaurant you have come prepared to have the full experience.

Other manners are important too. There are of course regular manners like chewing with your mouth closed and keeping your elbows off the table. Newer manners that have entered our society include putting your phone away. That means off the table! You want the person sitting across from you to feel important during this experience. Nothing is important enough that it can’t wait for a few hours. If you do feel the need to take a picture for social media, make sure you are not disturbing others dining experience.

Everyone is busy in this day and age. We are a society that goes 24/7. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a few hours out of your day to slow down and enjoy the privilege of an exceptional meal. When you learn to enjoy the experience of a meal in a fine dining restaurant, you will understand why fine dining is so important.

Where have you enjoyed an exceptional meal? What made the experience memorable? You can nominate a fine dining restaurant for the DiRoNA Award at this link. You can email info@dirona.com to tell us about your exceptional dining experiences. We would love to hear about them!