Going to a restaurant for dinner has become a somewhat speciality in recent years so it’s important to me to not be let down: I know what I want and I’m not afraid to expect or ask for it and, if I am dissatisfied with anything, then I will not let it rest with the restaurateurs. Why should I?
Firstly, and perhaps too obviously, we have the topic of food. It simply has to deliver every time as it is the core reason why diners will keep on returning to your establishment. I guess what we are all looking for is honesty, i.e. that what we have ordered is from the menu, that it is fresh, homemade and cooked / seasoned to perfection. Moreover, that it is delivered to the table in a timely manner, that its priced fairly and that it can be accompanied by a range of delicious drinks. These things sound so basic but, are more often than not, lacking in many of our eateries. Have you seen the recent series of Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares? I rest my point.
Whilst the food must be smoking hot, a successful restaurant should also have a good level of ambiance and this is usually created through its guests. We don’t want over-full eateries where you can barely move, let alone breathe, but then we don’t want to feel like we are the only ones around in 30 miles of the joint either. There just needs to be balance; a buzz or energy about the place that makes it both enjoyable and memorable.
Another must to add to my list is service. Let’s face it, no matter how good the food, poor service can ruin your dining experience before you’ve even lifted your knife and fork. So really, we’re back to that old notion of balance: you don’t want to be fussed over by several eager waiting staff, hovering and hanging on your every word ready to pounce; but then in the same respect, you don’t want to be waiting twenty minutes before you are even asked whether you would like a drink!
Timing is vital too. Everything must move at an enjoyable pace. You don’t want to be waiting lifetimes between courses, and you also don’t want to be pushed to finish quickly. Eating out should be a sociable event that you can ponder over and make into an evening.
If you want to experience some fantastic restaurants here in the UK then I would definitely recommend hitting London, a true cosmopolitan city that boasts some of the very best Michelin Star restaurants, not only in Europe but in the whole world. Most notable places to visit for me are: The Restaurant (House 19) of Home House Portman Square, Yashin Sushi of Argyll Road and Bocca di Lupo of Archer Street. Classic British, Japanese and Italian – what can I say, I just love food!
Along with some of the best bars in london, Home House is also a Private Members Club. Located in the heart of Portman Square, Home House offers a plethora of exclusive events like Fine Wine Nights for its members.