The Pros and Cons of Fine Dining
While some people may appreciate the craft and skill behind fine dining, others will say it's far too showy and pretentious. It's safe to say this type of food experience generally gets a lot of flak from people who don't understand its price point or artistry. But whether you get it or you don't, there are several pros and cons that may make you see the other side. Here are 10 obnoxious things about fine dining that people hate, and 10 they actually enjoy.
1. Small Portions
Imagine paying an exorbitant price for a meal at a fine-dining restaurant only to head to McDonald's right after because you're still hungry. There's nothing people hate more than receiving a measly portion while paying an excessive amount of money. What do you mean you only get two small slices of steak for your entree?
2. Unreasonable Prices
That automatically leads us into our next point - the unreasonably high prices. Is it really worth spending $500 on one meal you might not get full from? While fine-dining food does incorporate some expensive ingredients, you have to ask yourself if it's really worth your savings.
3. Bizarre Plating
Sometimes it feels like the plating at high-end restaurants is out of hand. While yes, there's an artistic creativity behind fine-dining dishes, it doesn't mean it justifies everything! All those smears, random cut-out shapes, and unorthodox methods of plating just aren't everyone's cup of tea.
4. Too Many Utensils
For most of us normal folks, we only know about one spoon and one fork. So what's up with all those ten or so different utensils spread out in front of you? It almost feels like you'll be judged if you don't know what each fork or spoon is supposed to be used for.
5. Big Egos
Whether it's the head chefs, the restaurant staff, or foodies who simply adore fine dining, there's a bit of ego that exists in this realm of cooking. It can feel at times that these individuals simply think they're the best of the best and refuse to acknowledge anyone else.
6. Unexplainable Superiority
Many people simply don't agree with the belief that fine dining is superior to everything else. While yes, it's important to respect the chef's mastery, it shouldn't be used to undermine other types of restaurants and cooking. It's this way of thinking that people don't appreciate.
7. Dress Codes
Though it depends from person to person, some just don't enjoy having to dress up for a meal. If you associate food with comfort and home, having to wear your fanciest clothes just to enjoy a meal seems excessive. It's made even worse if restaurants kick you out for not wearing appropriate attire!
8. Strange Ingredients
Just because an ingredient is expensive or rare doesn't mean it tastes good. For example, bugs might be considered a rare delicacy in some countries, but does that make you want to eat them? Just because something is used in fine dining shouldn't automatically deem it one of the best ingredients out there.
Restaurante Granero on Wikimedia
9. Pretentious Presentation
Over-the-top, pretentious presentations can rub people the wrong way, especially if they're paying a hefty price for it. What good are five different sauces smeared on a plate if there's not enough food to eat with them? There's a fine line between beautiful and nonsensical.
10. Sparkling Water
If you've been to a luxury restaurant before, you were likely asked the question, "Sparkling or still?" Many people online will tell you they don't understand it and don't see the hype behind bubbly water. Not only does it cost extra money compared to tap, but it's also harder to drink, it doesn't feel refreshing, and it has no taste.
1. Craftsmanship
Many head chefs train for years just to master their cooking skills. It's truly respectable, and seeing fine dining as an art form can make it easier to understand why they approach food in this way. It's amazing seeing what some chefs are doing out there as they continue to explore new flavor combinations and methods of cooking.
2. Good Service
You'll typically find that expensive restaurants come with much better service than usual. From pulling out your chair to repeatedly checking in on you, the waiters here are always trained to provide the best possible experience. After all, you're paying a lot so you deserve comfort at its finest!
3. Multiple Courses
Eating at a fine dining restaurant usually comes with multiple courses. While there's typically the appetizer, entree, and dessert, more expensive places might offer even more. This allows the customer to enjoy as many different types of dishes and flavors as possible, something that appeals to a certain crowd.
4. Attention To Detail
You can always expect your dishes to come clean and to be made with every little detail in mind when you're eating at a high-end place. Everything being served is intentional. That little leaf in the corner? That's planned. That bit of sauce on the side? Also has a purpose!
jirayu koontholjinda on Unsplash
5. Beautiful Presentation
As long as they're not being too experimental, most chefs are trained to present dishes in a beautiful and aesthetic manner. After all, we do eat with our eyes first! Some of the prettiest dishes you'll ever see will likely have come out of a fine dining restaurant. That's because plating is highly prioritized here compared to your usual eateries.
6. New Flavors
One thing many people appreciate about fine dining is the boldness to try new and different things. It's here that you'll be able to taste new flavors you can't get anywhere else. There are just certain things that are only served in restaurants of this caliber.
7. Hard-To-Get Ingredients
From caviar to truffle, it's not uncommon to see fine dining restaurants use these rare ingredients. Not only are they expensive, they can be incredibly difficult to find and won't be sold at your local grocery store. So, if you want to experience all that food has to offer, trying out fine dining dishes that introduce these luxurious ingredients isn't so bad.
8. Stunning Restaurant Interiors
Eating at an expensive place doesn't just guarantee high-end food, it also ensures the restaurant itself will be beautiful. You can expect high-quality cutlery, plates, chairs, and so much more. As a bonus, you definitely won't need to worry about sticky floors, dirty restrooms, or anything along those lines.
9. Luxurious Experience
Some people simply appreciate fine dining because of the experience it creates. It's not just about the food as we've mentioned, it's about the excellent service, the beautiful interiors, and the lovely atmosphere all combined into one.
10. Trying The Food of Renowned Chefs
And if you're a fan of a particular celebrity chef, you might be interested in visiting their restaurant just to say you've tried their food. Big names like Gordon Ramsay are a powerful way to draw in customers! It might just be something people want to check off their wishlist.
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