Engaging the Senses

In order for a dining experience to be memorable, all of the senses must be engaged. How often, for example have you been out at table, perusing a menu full of promise, only to be accosted with the very worst of top forty music blasting through a speaker which just happens to be directly overhead? Or, happily sated, your empty plates remain on the table while the one waiter rushes back and forth past you in a frenzy of overwork? Or, the service is perfectly efficient and the view of the ocean sublime yet when your salmon arrives it is curled up and dry with overcooking?

Too many times, no?

This does not mean that sublime food and friendly staff can not override the fact of a view of a car park, or that music can't be loud (as long as it's good) in that funky little cafe that serves authentic tapas (this means small, small plates, people, of something tasty and fresh) or that an order-at-the-counter-and-wait-until-your-number-is-called noodle bar can't make the Top Ten.

However, generally speaking, environment, staff, music and menu should work together, each element complementing the other to transport the diner, to stimulate, beguile and satisfy so that we come back again and again, tip generously, spread the word, feel a little lighter in this too short experience that is life.

Do I expect too much?

Here's to grand expectations, then.

Salut!