Essay/Term paper: Dining establishments and eating

Essay, term paper, research paper:  College Essays

Dining Establishments and Eating


There are many factors that may change your decision on choosing a place
to dine. Some people dine out almost every night, and some people may dine out
only once every month or so. People treat eating out differently than others.
It all depends on the type of the mood, or the time the individual may have.
There are many types of eating establishments that cater to the different types
of occasions, from the more elite, to the brief luncheon, and to the fast outing.

For some people eating out is to be done in haste. For that type of
people eating out is simple, done to avoid the time of preparation, and cleaning
up a meal. Fast food is a quick, easy way to eat on the run, with a no frills
atmosphere. These people are "on the run" with things that they must
accomplish in a limited amount of time. Some fast food restaurants may include:
Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, or Kentucky Fried Chicken. Fast food would be
an easy solution to the problem of the time factor. Fast food can easily be
recognized when you enter the parking lot. For fast food the parking lot is
more accessible to people(less landscaping), more entrances and exit doors(for
more saved time). Once entering the building one can distinguish a fast food
restaurant, by the high traffic tile floors, plastic bench seating that does
not move for comfort, and the poor taste of interior design with small amounts
of decoration. These buildings were meant for eating quickly, and then leaving,
visual impact is not a major concern. There will be no waiters to take your
order. A line to the cash register is the only way to get your food, unless the
decision of the drive up window is made. Food is often times pre-prepared to
save time.
Casual dining has more enjoyable food, and a more refreshed environment,
with only a little more time involved. Some casual dining may include: TGIF"
Fridays", Dennys, or Eat and Park. Parking is a little further back, and more
landscaping may be involved to have a grander appearance. When you enter
through the only main entrance and exit door, wall to wall carpeting may be an
option, and more lavish plants, and paintings. Instead of finding your own seat,
a host will lead you to the section you prefer. The seating in some cases would
be moveable for more comfort. In most, the seating is either plush cloth, or
mostly padded vinyl, for comfort. Silverware would already exist on the table
with thin paper place mats. After being seated drinks, and appetizers would be
served while waiting on the waiter or waitress. The order would be taken, and
the food would be heated, prepared fresh. After the main course, desert would
be served, then after desert the check is presented while still seated. In most
cases it is proper for the guest to leave some sort of gratuity for the server.
More time is taken in the preparation of the food, the surroundings, but still
the speed and the efficiency of the experience is high enough to have lunch, and
still make appointments.
If time is not a major concern, and your eating experience is, fine
dining may be the eating experience for you. Fine dining involves a mixture of
elegance and art with a fine meal. Some examples of fine dining are: Haden Zugs,
Alfreds Victorian, and the Log Cabin. The parking at times is not always close
to the building, therefore sometimes a valet is sometimes appropriate. The
buildings are mostly lavish on the exterior, with a lot of attention paid to the
landscaping, the walkway, lighting, and the structure itself. Once you would
enter the hosts would ask "what party are you with?", A reservation is always
necessary, so they can prepare for your arrival. Fine art and sculpture would
drape the walls, with much attention being paid to the wood work. There would
very few tables per room, if only one for privacy. There is very little noise
if any, as compared to the casual dining. The tables would be make out of fine
wood, or some sort of fine draping over top. In the room, attention would be
drawn to the various patterns of wallpapers, paintings. The seats are all
movable including the table, for maximum comfort. Often time the furniture
would be of the finest cloths or even leather, sometime antiques could be even
used. The hosts would bring the fine silver, and lay it out before you while
taking your orders for drinks and appetizers, with just giving you eye contact
with memorizing your order. After all is ordered, including the main course,
examples of dessert are bought for you to choose. Later the check is brought
with fine chocolates, or mints. And a larger gratuity is often times expected
at a fine dining experience.
There are several different kinds of eating establishments for different
moods, people, style, time, and budget. Whatever time is involved, the right
kind of dining is out there to fit any schedule. Eating may range from a chore,
to an extravagant night out on the town. No matter what you are looking for,
the right type of dining environment is out there for anyone.