Guarantee a great dining experience
When you think about what constitutes a good restaurant, ask yourself, “Good for what?”
Think about whether you are looking for a great wine list, a kid-friendly environment, or a place to close a deal. Do you want to experience the creations of a great chef or just refuel and collect your thoughts?
Unless the restaurant is a real dog, and those don’t hang around long these days, expectations are likely to be a key determinant in your overall satisfaction with your dining experience.
That said, there are a few additional factors to consider.
- Location: If you meet people in a restaurant, try to select one that is easy to find and has adequate parking. When entertaining out of town guests, you may want to opt for outdoor seating, allowing your guests to enjoy the beautiful Minnesota summer sun, or select a spot with a great view. However, if your partner just got off a plane in January without a coat, she probably won’t appreciate icy sidewalks or an invigorating, brisk walk.
- Atmosphere: Whether for business or personal reasons, it is sometimes important that a dining experience is especially good. For those times, be sure to visit the restaurant in advance. Go for a drink or coffee and dessert. Take note of the noise level, the seating arrangements, the décor, and even the bathrooms. Then decide if you want to reserve a table.
- Service: Service does not have to be a one-way relationship. Help waiters provide you with excellent service by being polite and moving things on the table to the side so they can serve you more easily. Most of the staff will reciprocate by paying more attention to your needs, and your dining companions will notice as well.
- Menu: Food is often secondary to the overall dining experience, but some foods are so exquisite and memorable that it’s worth waiting in long lines or putting up with some inconvenience. Consider the reputation of the chef and know what his specialties are. Check the wine list before you go. It can consist of a small collection of extremely good and expensive bottles, paired with specific dishes on the menu, or it can be extensive. In any case, it is a good idea to know the wines and the dishes and to be able to make a recommendation.
- The deciding factor: Most cities have several good restaurants competing for your dining dollars. If a place is not clean and does not treat you well, move on.
