Posh dining

[Desmo]

Originally Posted by Belmit

The only thing that really puts me off about places like this is having people standing around waiting to clear the table, top up the wine etc. That feeling of being constantly watched (and listened to) doesn't sit well with me if I'm eating.

This is how I feel too. It's probably not a problem with the staff at all, just me feeling conscious that they are there.

[Will]

You just don't want them to smell your toxicicity!

[Matblack]

I've never gone away from the Manoir or any of those places feeling hungry, on many occasions I've felt royally stuffed. The Menu Gormand at Le Manoir is usually between 8 and 10 courses with a taster and pettit fours afterwards, the meal however will be streched over 2-3 hours and never feels rushed or too slow, its a great experience and one of the few times I will eat litterally anything with is served, even if its something I wouldn't normally try.

MB

[Stan_Lite]

Originally Posted by Le Hoff

The key point is - did you enjoy the food? Yes! Therefore surely it was worth it?! Yeah that place was amazing wasn't it? The company made it for me.

Yes you can have some mince and tatties for next to nothing, but it's not as adventureous or some might argue as interesting - though no doubt it is satisfying.

Going out for a meal is more than just the food or the price, it's a combination of many things. You have to take into account the surroundings, the wine, the ambiance, the company, the food, the service and more besides.
As you say, if you've had an enjoyable night out, then it's more than worth what you pay.
The combination of all of the above on the night in question was more than worth the paltry sum it cost - what's the point of money but to use it to enjoy oneself?

[Desmo]

Originally Posted by Le Hoff

You just don't want them to smell your toxicicity!

Well, it would be rude to

Actually, you kind of hit upon another point. Whilst I'd not be farting around the table wherever I am, these places would stop me being me. I can be loud, daft and stupid sometimes and in a nice place you have to keep a lid on your behaviour. Whilst I "can" do it, I don't necessarily enjoy it.

[BBx]

I don't mind going to a few posh places now and again - always nice to dress up. In fact I have one next month...but it is more of an occasion then choosing a restaurant on a whim and going there to pay more for something you don't even know is going to taste nice or not.

I can't relax and enjoy my food in that environment... aswell as put up with people making sure I hold my knife and fork correctly and sip my soup in the correct manner.

I don't really like fancy food either which you only get a bite out of...

Saying all this I am not missing out on broadening my horizons as I go out on a lot of client lunches so can sample these kinda places on expenses if I wish however, probably the best example of this so far is the Vietnamese myself and Pebs went to in San Francisco - twas tres yummy and nothing like anything I have eaten before!

BB x

[Flibster]

I like eating out at posh places.

Last time was at The Bank in London. Calves Liver with Cauliflower mash and sausage and onion gravy. My idea of posh food.

However, the dressing up bit I tend to be rather poor at. Very nice dark grey suit with red and white converse all stars.

Simon/~Flibster

[Garp]

Originally Posted by BBelle

I don't mind going to a few posh places now and again - always nice to dress up. In fact I have one next month...but it is more of an occasion then choosing a restaurant on a whim and going there to pay more for something you don't even know is going to taste nice or not.

I can't relax and enjoy my food in that environment... aswell as put up with people making sure I hold my knife and fork correctly and sip my soup in the correct manner.

I'm rather similar. Its nice to do occasionally, but even though I was brought up properly with how to use knife and fork, and such like I still feel too self-conscious.

I much prefer to find a very nice Chinese or Taiwanese place and go there, 'cause at least I can use chopsticks, and if you make mistakes using them its rarely as embarrassing because you can usually guarantee you're not the only one!

[Tak]

Originally Posted by Garp

I much prefer to find a very nice Chinese or Taiwanese place and go there, 'cause at least I can use chopsticks, and if you make mistakes using them its rarely as embarrassing because you can usually guarantee you're not the only one!

Same

Whilst I enjoy good food and love trying new things, "posh" places always scare me maybe its the feeling like you're being watched, maybe its because I have no idea what half the fancy words on the menu are, maybe its because I'm not use to dressing up nicely and therefore feel self-conscious. I don't like looking like a dumb, "uncultured" idiot which is the only way I can describe how I end up feeling

There is also the fact that I can't afford to go to "posh" places and always feel guilty if someone else is footing the bill

[Mark]

I don't think I could go somewhere that demands the correct table etiquette (I know I don't use knife and fork correctly and being 'told off' or shunned for this wouldn't sit right).

However, for the fine dining thing in general - while it's not generally my 'thing' and I wouldn't do on a whim, if an occasion happened by expressing a preference that I should partake, I wouldn't rule it out of order. I've eaten and enjoyed food cooked by a chef who worked at the Dorchester and it certainly wasn't food I would normally eat.

I also can't understand half the menu. Too many posh words for things that just turn out to be stuff you'd eat anyway but call it something completely different.

PS - Chinese food definitely gets my vote - though using chopsticks definitely doesn't - I'm the token guy who asks for a fork.