When it comes to fine dining in some of the best restaurants in the world, many of us don’t know our bread plate from our elbow, but with a little knowledge under your belt you will soon be able to dine in sophistication at even the most revered of eateries this side of The Ritz.
Fine dining is a wonderful experience that is designed to bring you the best food, the finest ingredients and a list of delicious wines and desserts that have been skilfully crafted with your taste buds in mind. A team of chefs, cooks and proprietors have taken great lengths in trying to create the ultimate recipes and pairings to offer you a unique appreciation of the cuisine.
Understanding the fine dining tableware
You may notice that when you first arrive inside a fine dining restaurant, that you may not recognise the layout of the tableware and cutlery. Depending on how many courses you are intending to enjoy, a selection of cutlery will be placed on your table, each one designed to perform a certain action.Usually, the cutlery is placed outside-in, with each piece of cutlery representing a separate course, which will give you an idea of what is coming up next, and how to eat it. Unless you are in a very specific restaurant that deals with very particular foods, understanding your cutlery and how it is used should be easy to spot.
There is a certain knack to using the utensils that many people adhere to, as well as the general rules of the dining room that most people should be aware of, such as:
• Using the fork in the left hand, the knife in the right
• Spoon soup away from you, not towards you as you eat
• No burping, high-fiving the waiter, or lewd comments
• Use the napkin on your lap, not around your collar
• Savour the food as a special treat and not sustenance – the chef has spent a long time perfecting his recipes and preparing your dish
• Be polite to the waiting staff and other diners
• Do not go overboard when “tasting” the wine
• Enjoy yourself, the atmosphere and your company!
• Using the fork in the left hand, the knife in the right
• Spoon soup away from you, not towards you as you eat
• No burping, high-fiving the waiter, or lewd comments
• Use the napkin on your lap, not around your collar
• Savour the food as a special treat and not sustenance – the chef has spent a long time perfecting his recipes and preparing your dish
• Be polite to the waiting staff and other diners
• Do not go overboard when “tasting” the wine
• Enjoy yourself, the atmosphere and your company!
Wine pairing and menu balance
Many diners worry about choosing the right type of wine when they order their meal, and how to adequately pair a wine with a certain dish. Restaurants and waiters don’t expect you to be a wine expert, and the majority of restaurants will have chosen their wine menu to pair nicely with their main courses.The main thing to know about fine dining etiquette is that you should never be scared to ask, and don’t be afraid to make a mistake here or there. Ask the waiter to recommend a nice wine that pairs with your meal, ask about how a certain meal is prepared and what an untranslated menu item consists of – most waiters and restaurateurs will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Taste exemplifies fine dining on your doorstep
One of the best things about the level of fine dining in Australia is that there is always a talented chef, with a beautiful restaurant in your own back yard. With a rich history of fine dining, world-class wines and produce, Canowindra is one of the most beautiful locations to try it out for the first time.
Taste Canowindra is one of these restaurants where extra special attention is taken to give their diners the ultimate in fine dining experiences. With a seasonal menu that includes fresh local produce, the finest ingredients and legendary wine it truly is one of the gems of NSW.Fine dining, Art Gallery and Live Music to enjoy
With a menu that balances perfectly throughout, from entrées, lunches, main courses and desserts, Taste truly inspires your palette and allows you to taste the finest in country cuisine in a location that is destined to stun. Featuring live music and special events, an art gallery and much more, Taste Canowindra is a foray into finer life and is sure to make you come back for more.
Fine dining doesn’t have to be difficult to enjoy, with all of its social rules and dining etiquette. Choose a relaxing location such as Canowindra and you will find that it is all about the experience, the tastes and the sights that you will remember, long after you have enjoyed your desserts.
Image source: blowmypaycheck, tastecanowindra, bw-milfordhotel, izzz
