Dining news from around the world and the web… * A boom of boomers dining out. Millennials, however, are a different story. [The New York Times] * Frankie say relax. So do all your servers. Nervous dining is a no-no. [Seattle Weekly] * Should restaurants ban children? Depends on who you ask. [Fox News] * [...]
Service
2013 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant + Chef Finalists Revealed
The folks at the James Beard Foundation have released their list of finalists for nominations in the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards, otherwise known as the “Oscars” of the food world. Congratulations — and good luck — to all. Winners will be announced at the James Beard Foundation Awards Gala on May 6, 2013, in New York City. Nominated [...]
OpenTable Diner Reviews Reveal Top 100 Best Restaurants for Service
In honor of the art of excellence in restaurant hospitality, we are pleased to announce the 2013 Diners’ Choice Award winners for the Top 100 Best Restaurants for Service in the United States and highlight the Top 10 honorees for hospitality. These awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million reviews submitted by verified [...]
2013 James Beard Foundation Awards Restaurant + Chef Semi-Finalists
The folks at the James Beard Foundation have released their list of semi-finalists for nominations in the 2013 James Beard Foundation Awards, otherwise known as the “Oscars” of the food world. Congratulations — and good luck — to all the semi-finalists. Nominated restaurants include: Outstanding Restaurant August, New Orleans, Louisiana Blue Hill, New York, New York Canlis, Seattle, [...]
Dining Poll: How Do You Prefer to Learn About Daily Specials at a Restaurant?
I am always in awe of servers’ memories when they offer to share the daily specials with my table and they are able to rattle off a lengthy list with in-depth descriptions of ingredients, preparations, and prices. Inevitably, though, my dining companion and I will have a conversation after the server steps away that goes [...]
Dining Poll: Have You Ever Left a Restaurant Without Leaving a Tip?
We’ve all been on the receiving end of poor service, but most of us will still leave some gratuity. Has there been an instance, though, in which your dining experience was so disappointing that you didn’t leave any tip at all? Weigh in on today’s poll! Have you ever not left a tip when dining [...]
Dining Poll: What’s the Most Important Aspect of a Restaurant Experience?
This week, the folks at the Nashville Scene are talking about what matters most when dining out. Is it the quality of the food? Is it the level of service? Or, is it simply the person with whom you’re dining? Weigh in on today’s poll! What matters most when dining out?
Dining Poll: Should Drinking Water Be a Question or a Custom at Restaurants?
There’s been much hullabaloo and ballyhoo around drinking water at restaurants. Some restaurants will pour you a glass regardless of whether you request — or want — one or not. Others don’t serve water unless a patron asks. So, we’re asking: What’s your preference when dining out? Weigh in below! Should wait staffers automatically [...]
Dining in Denver: Not-To-Be-Missed Restaurants in Colorado’s Capital
Denver Post dining critic Tucker Shaw recently compiled a list of restaurants that “define Denver’s culinary momentum.” The criteria for earning a spot on the list were quite lofty. Cost, food, hospitality, service, and the space itself mattered, but the overarching question Shaw asked himself was, “Did my experience at this restaurant enrich my life?” [...]
Bad Service at a Restaurant: What Would You Do?
This past weekend, I dined out a restaurant (one not on the OpenTable network, and, on behalf of my fellow diners, I am glad for that) and experienced really poor service. I’ve waited tables at many restaurants. Because of that, I am always apt to cut servers a lot of slack. It is a difficult [...]