Clear Your Head of Critics’ Chatter

As a sushi chef, I am constantly thinking about how I can make my restaurant better and attract more loyal customers. It helps if I turn that question around and think about it from the customer’s perspective. How does a diner find the best restaurant? Let me share with you what I think makes the best restaurant experience.

First of all, you have to get rid of the idea that the best restaurant is the one with the most stars or the best review in the local paper. Those are fine benchmarks to use, but too often, that’s all we use. To find the best restaurant for you, you have to figure out what’s most important to you and clear your head of the comments of critics and self-appointed connoisseurs.

First of all, you have to feel a certain chemistry with the restaurant. You should be able to feel it on your very first visit. If you don’t, enjoy the meal and move on.

But when you do find the restaurant that gels with you, begin to establish a relationship with it by letting the restaurant get to know you. It helps to find a favorite server. Find out when he or she works and ask for them when you arrive. A server can make or break the dining experience, so take control of your night out by asking for the person you’re most comfortable with.

Next, get to know the management. Make friends with them. When they find out that you are a potential regular, they will treat you much better.

Then, learn the menu. Try different items and know what you like and don’t like.

Let them know what you like. Once they know what you like, they might have your tastes in mind when they make specials. I know I think about my regulars when creating special dishes.

Take these small steps, and your experience at the restaurant will improve. You’ll have eliminated the unease and awkwardness that often comes with eating out, and by investing time in a restaurant and becoming knowledgeable, you’ll see the service improve. And let’s face it — you’ll enjoy bringing a date or friend here because you’ll be greeted by the staff. That’s a great way to start off a night.

Restaurants love regulars. It improves their business and gives them a personal relationship they can enjoy. Remember that running a restaurant is not easy. Nice, caring regular customers make up for all the jerks. The restaurant will work harder to keep you happy because they want you to keep coming back, and you’ll enjoy the experience a lot more. It’s just like a relationship between a man and a woman. You give more to get more. It takes time and money, and sometimes one side has to compromise. But in the end, you’re both happy.

It’s capitalism at its best. So take control of your dining experience, find out what you like and go get it. The restaurant will thank you for it.