Fine dining is a unique and wonderful place. We are not a people selling food and drink. We sell experiences. We sell memories, nostalgia, entertainment, excitement, and unpredictability. Something needs to be said for this. If you read those list of words, what do you picture first? Cheese hidden inside of a candle that’s been slowly melting for 3 hours only to surprise you at the end of the night that there’s been food hidden on your table for you to just find out? I’m guessing not.
Fine Dining should stop being categized with other restaurants that serve food and drinks and provide some good times. These places are where I usually eat out. There is absolutely no problem with these restaurants. If I have free time this is where I eat. The problem is there is a whole other side of the spectrum. People wondering why I should get a tasting menu for 250/300$ compared to the 20 dollar fill up box at Applebee’s.
The answer is the same reason for most other forms of entertainment. Would you spend 500 dollars to see your favorite band in the front row? Would you spend 200 $ for those brand new sneakers that just got released. I believe it’s the same for fine dining if you have the money to spend then we are another exemplary form of entertainment that is totally unique. We capture your senses throughout a three hour experience, that has the ability to rock your emotions through and through.
I think it could be compared to single-A baseball versus the major leagues. Both enjoyable, both play hard, both have real people working in their respective categories. But, something is not the same.
Love of the craft, and the ability to make someone cry tears of joy over a bite of food is not something you find in a normal quick service, creative lacking, hunger fulfilling restaurant. These places are trying to be a haven for people who have saved up money for years looking for a extraordinarily special experience, people who enjoy a different form of entertainment, and for people who love the art of cooking.
We’re not in it for paychecks, we’re performers, entertainers, artists, and chefs, all in one. The idea of nostalgia surrounds me because as chefs, there’s so many ways to engage with people you’ve never met through a simple bite of food. We have the ability to connect on something without ever saying a word to each other. Doesn’t that justify being a separate category?
What I’m saying with this is that in this difficult time for the restaurant industry we need help. if you have the ability to help restaurants right now then you should. Eat out , eat out often. from supporting places such as Texas Roadhouse, to three Michelin starred French laundry everyone needs help. What I'm trying to say with this piece is that fine dining deserves distinguishment from normal restaurants because of the fragility of people's income to spend on fine dining during this time.
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