Fine Dining

vol. 25, issue. 06, 14 October 2022

white tablecloth restaurants also known as fine dining restaurants are restaurants that cater to specific customers. these restaurants offer specific course meals, and their designs are different from the regular type restaurants where you can just walk in and have your orders taken with no expectations or many guidelines to follow. Fine dining restaurants are decorated with class and offer up to certain standards specific course meals. It derived the name white tablecloth restaurants because it traditionally features white cloth spread across the tables that symbolizes class and sophistication that is a part of the overall experience. Before now, most fine dining restaurants always featured these white tables cloth. Nowadays, there are lots of fine dining restaurants that don’t bother adding this feature, finding and creating other ways that set them apart from others.

The French, known for their love for excellent dining experience and good food, it isn’t surprising that they are the inventors of fine dining. The French culture has perfected the art of dining that sets them apart from other cultures. When people think of the French, they think good food, sophistication and lifestyle. The French culture with its unique and polished skill set and quality culinary prowess and prix fixe menu, with prominent chefs like Auguste Escoffier in France, The Grand Hotel of Monte Carlo, that was the first restaurant to offer fine dining and luxury accommodation under one roof, fine dining started to spread across Europe, the United States and the world at large. Back then only the rich could dine in these restaurants, as it was exclusive to the aristocrats. After the 18^th century most of the chefs that catered to these aristocrats lost their job to the French revolution and started opening restaurants that serve meals at private dine ins, and offered their services to those who could afford it. This gave others the opportunity to share in the experience as long as they could afford it. With the advancement of technology and migration, people started traveling and the need to cater to these growing population in France led to the establishment of more restaurants, that by the 20^th century, fine dining was fully established around the world.

In most fine dining establishments today, there are features that cannot be overlooked. Fine dining restaurants aren’t cheap. They are way more expensive than regular restaurants. This is because of its multi course meal experience it offers. Food preparations are usually a la carte, which are separate meals served exclusively, and not as part of a set menu. In some Fine Dining restaurants reservation are placed before arrival, in order to secure a table. These restaurants hire waiters that are well trained and knowledgeable when it comes to delivering topnotch service, elegance and class. Guests are welcomed and greeted at the door before being directed to a reserved table. When seated, cutlery and silverware are placed rightly on the table right with the first course.  Waiters are careful not to reach over the table while serving. After each course, tables are cleared in preparation for the next course.

Depending on how “fine” the fine dining restaurant, there are certain etiquettes expected from guests. In some restaurants, one might be refused entry if not dressed to par. There’s also the unspoken expectation not to be too loud while speaking. In fact, the ambience of some restaurants automatically keeps one in tune, you know not to behave in an “uncivilized” manner that may single you out from other guests. This is one of the reasons why some people do not frequent these types of restaurants on a regular base, unless on holidays or special occasions. In some cases, business meetings or in situations where guy meets girl, wants to treat her to something classy and unique for a first date. Choosing a restaurant, whether fine dining or regular, it is important to know what is required and expected. The occasion, going alone or with company, being sure of what is expected, and some research might help to know what is expected from you as a guest and what service is being rendered from any given restaurant, so there are no surprises. whether Fine dining or regular restaurant, it is most important to enjoy good food, topnotch service, and an unforgettable experience to match.