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Dining Out is About More than Just Food
When eating with your eyes first is a disappointment
Eating is truly more than a sensory experience. Who does not appreciate walking into a home, a restaurant, or even a grocery store and not being overwhelmed by the sights, smells, and sounds of food we encounter, which will either make us salivate in anticipation, or cause us to run for the nearest exit in repulsive haste?
Is that all there is?
I am not exactly certain which of the senses dominate the appeal of a meal….maybe none. Or perhaps it just is in your perspective. For example, on a recent dining night out, our family plus two out-of-town guests were seated at a large table in proximity to both the bar and the open kitchen. As it was a particularly busy Monday evening and we had not made reservations, we waited for both the cocktails and our meals.
I was not part of any conversation, so I had the opportunity to observe the hustle and bustle swirling around us. The only bartender there seemed to not be able to catch a breath as orders came at him from at least five different servers. I was amazed at his composure and ability to keep if not a smile, at least a pleasant countenance as he expertly concocted a variety of mixed drinks and, of course, poured wine into glasses.
