Restaurant Etiquette
Experiencing good food is an essential part of life, but many people have some disillusions that prevent them from ever tasting a quality meal. They'll never enjoy a steak that literally melts in their mouth, or freshly tossed pasta that makes them stop talking in mid sentence to appreciate the splendor of the dish.
There was a study drawn as to why Americans are predominantly over-weight and French people are of a perfect shape and size when both cultures spend the same amount of time eating and dining out. They study revealed that while French people have a love for food, American people love to eat. French dishes are usually smaller and better quality while American dishes are lesser quality with larger portions.
Stomachs are not bottomless pits that you need to fill to capacity. Hunger can be satisfied in small portions. American people tend to think they need to walk away from a meal stuffed to fill full and whole. Meanwhile later on you'll most likely end up with heartburn and/or indigestion. But if the is arranged on the plate in a smaller portion and is of a higher quality you've not only satisfied your hunger but you've also satisfied you appetite of fulfillment and you walk away from the meal feeling full and complete.
Olive Garden, Apple Bee's, Uno's and so forth are not upscale restaurants. They do not have chefs preparing the food. The food is delivered to the restaurant frozen and is later put in a microwave and served to you on a plate. Which is why any Olive Garden you go to the Chicken Alfredo will taste exactly the same.
I implore everyone to experience a quality restaurant at least once in their life. Search out a nice restaurant and check the reviews and comments, make note of the must have dishes, make yourself aware of the dress code and ambiance and go with a friend or someone you feel comfortable with. Order a nice glass of wine that goes well with your meal (example red wine goes great with meaty dishes) so that it can clean your taste pallet in between bites. Don't be afraid to ask the wait staff for help and for their opinion on a great dish or wine. And if you love the food and the restaurant tip well. I like to tip good service at 18% but 15% is adequate. I hope you enjoy.
Some good restaurants to consider
If you're in the New York area:
City Cellar Wine Bar and Grill
1080 Corporate Drive, Westbury NY 11590
Try their Lamb Shanks
L L Dent (Southern Style Cuisine)
221 Old Country Road, Carle Place, NY 11514
Try their Catfish (Fun fact: The restaurant is owned by Lisa and Lillian Dent, Lisa was a personal chef to comedian Eddie Murphy)
Ruby Foo's
Time Square, New York, NY 10019
Authentic Japanese Cuisine. Try their Sushi.
If you're in the Florida Area:
The Ravenous Pig
1234 North Orange Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
A Gastro pub. They have a changing menu but try their steak...any kind
Ruth's Chris Steak House
7501 W Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32819
Try their Prime Steak cooked rare or med. rare
If you're in the California Area:
La Spiga Ristorante Italiano
72-557 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
Tuscan Cuisine. Try their filet mingon
Ive been to many other restaurants but these are guaranteed to leave you satisfied. Again, find a great restaurant in your surrounding area (I know some people might have to leave their town and travel to a larger city to find a decent restaurant) itll be well worth it.