Okay, since I'm the moderator.... so what do we look for MOST in a RESTAURANT,. if we're going to RAVE.

Frankly, since I work in (and own) a restaurant.. what's really important, I have come to realize, is SERVICE. I will gladly sacrifice the quality of food for GREAT SERVICE. When I sweat all day and give my heart and soul into my restaurant, I want to be waited on "hand and foot"....
Anyone agree? I've travelled around the country ( and around the world a bit) ...anyone have any great recommendations? anywhere?

[This message has been edited by carol wallack (edited September 22, 1999).]

Since I always eat out with the family(wife and three girls 5,3,and 1), I always want quick and efficient service. Many places don't understand that children have limited patience and want to eat now. If they can get out food out quickly I will forgive a dish being less than perfect. Of course I don't take the kids to a fine dining establishment either. Its not fair to them or the other patrons who want to enjoy a leisurely long meal.

[Pete]

Glad you feel that way Andrew. I dont understand why some parents insist on taking along their young childern to fine dining restaurants. You dont know how many times Ive heard from parents, "OH my child is great at restaurants". Really? Ive never seen a young child that can sit for 1 1/2 hrs. min. without getting frustrated? Get a babysitter! Im sure the tables around you dont want kids running around or crying while they just forked over $150 for dinner. Every child is different and matures differently but I feel that any child under 6 or 7 is not ready to sit for that long. What do you guys do at your restaurants when people show up with childern and then those childern disrupt the dining room?

I have on occasion moved their ticket ahead of others just to get them out. Its not very ethical or fair, but it does get them out quicker.

pacify the kids and send out some food IMMEDIATELY for them.... noodles, cheese toast, carrots, WHATEVER. That usually keeps them quiet.

Exactly, send the childrens food first. Almost anything to make them happy. I have even given them a paper toque before.

[Pete]

I always send the kids food out with the first course. Also if chef, myself, or our pastry chef isnt too busy we try to bring the kids back into the kitchen for an ice cream tasting since we make all of ours in house. It gives the kids a few minutes of running around time and the parents a brief break.