This week I attended a fabulous dinner at Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar and it has occurred to me that I’m not doing this kind of thing often enough. This was called “The Longest Day to Drink Rose” and six different rosés were featured. Honestly, each one was better than the last, or next, and all the food, prepared by six chefs with each in charge of one, was better than the last or next. Or something. It was a fun evening – great food, drink, and I met some very cool people, too. Most of our better restaurants do an occasional wine or beer dinner or just what’s billed as a special evening. Usually, it’s financially a good deal because everyone cooking, pouring, or serving is hyped to do their very, very best.
Here are five things to know:
Prior:
1. When you make your reservation, be sure to confirm date, time, and whether it’s individual tables or group seating. If it’s group, and you want to be seated with your friends, be sure to tell them. Be sure to ask if an additional gratuity is expected.
2. If you are a picky eater, don’t come. Kidding. But if you’re allergic to fish and it’s a fish evening, don’t expect them to revamp your dinner for you. But if you have allergies, etc., be sure to tell them and ask if they can accommodate you. Usually the answer is yes.
There:
3. If you’re with people you don’t know, be ready to converse. Great topics include best restaurants you love or where you frequent regularly. The Royals are safe as long as they’re still in contention. A recent movie (or restaurant) you can recommend. Don’t talk too long about your vacation, unless it’s somehow hugely pertinent. Have you done anything that’s unusual lately? Politics are probably not safe. At the end of the meal, talk about your favorite course and see if everyone agrees. Would you come back to this place again?
4. Try not to make special demands of your waiter. And if you do, a special appreciation is necessary. If it’s not monetary, be sure to compliment him/her AND his manager or whomever you can find. If the wine isn’t coming fast enough, a huge smile and a thank you for your extra effort goes a long way.
After:
5. When you go back, mention to the host or manager that you’re there because you attended such and such dinner and it was so terrific you wanted to return. That encourages the restaurants to keep having such dinners – their chefs usually appreciate the opportunity to show off their skills, the restaurants make a little money, and you have great memories for an evening.
There are many such dinners coming up and they’re always listed in the Restaurant Guide under Calendar Events.
If you’re looking for a companion, just let me know!
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