Fine dining restaurants are typically full-service establishments with specific designated meal courses. Dining at these restaurants often involves higher-quality ingredients, with establishments often having certain rules of etiquette that guests are expected to observe, at least occasionally. Fine dining restaurants, however, also serve an array of foods that can be adjusted to one’s taste. Here are some of the more popular choices:
Casual dining restaurants offer a more relaxed, homey atmosphere. Many of these restaurants are located within or near larger metropolitan areas and are aimed at either a local clientele or the international market. Casual dining is a very broad category and includes fast food like McDonald’s and Taco Bell, fine dining experience and casual eateries, all of which are intended for quick, short-term eating experiences. Some examples of this type of restaurant include Asian restaurants, taverns and bars. Some may even be found in golf clubs and country clubs.
The casual dining experience offered at fine dining establishments is oftentimes combined with a cocktail drink or another form of non-alcoholic refreshment. A common cocktail beverage served at this type of restaurant is a Vodka martini, which uses triple distilled vodka. The Martini may be ordered in a plastic champagne flute, as well. Some restaurants will offer a selection of frozen drink choices in addition to the Martini, in order to extend the fine dining experience beyond the simple ingredients and cheese board.
A growing number of fine dining restaurants have also begun offering buffet style dining. These establishments, which serve everything from salad and sandwich options to vegetarian dishes and other international specialties, have grown in popularity in recent years. Buffet style meals are commonly found in college towns, trendy urban areas and larger cities. The growing trend of offering unlimited meal selections has led to the establishment of restaurants that specialize in serving only a specific theme of cuisine.
The growing number of fine dining restaurants is due in part to the increase in popularity of gourmet cooking. Many chefs have created exotic dishes that have become favorites among food critics and frequent customers. In turn, these chefs have encouraged other aspiring chefs to pursue a career in fine dining restaurant management. Several of these chefs have gone on to open their own restaurants, while others have opened popular franchises that are known for fine dining, such as W.H. Rushton’s and Dave Lomis’s.
A more exclusive option available to those interested in fine dining restaurant management is attending a culinary school. Culinary schools have long been a preferred option for those wishing to pursue a career in fine dining restaurant management, because many of the programs offered are designed to give students the skills they need to work in an environment focused on fine dining. Culinary schools can offer technical and professional instruction in topics such as food preparation, beverage preparation, and management, as well as instruct students in hospitality and customer service skills. These programs can be found throughout the United States, although programs at the culinary arts institute of America are widely regarded as the best.
Another option for those wishing to work in fine dining restaurant management is to work at one of the many casual dining establishments across the country. While casual restaurants do not typically offer elaborate menu options, they do offer a home environment and a simpler way to cook a meal. Casual restaurants are often characterized by casual food and can feature items such as burgers, sushi, pasta, and vegetable platters. Because these restaurants do not offer elaborate fine dining menus, the opportunities to manage one of these establishments are considerably fewer, however the earning potential is much greater.
If you are interested in becoming involved with either one of these two distinct categories of fine dining restaurants, or both, you will want to check out the employment opportunities available at each establishment. While there may be some difference of opinion between casual and fine dining restaurant employment opportunities, you will find that there are more jobs at a casual place than at a fine dining restaurant. Most of these casual dining places only need a few employees to oversee their daily operations; therefore, if you enjoy working in an environment where you are used to serve your guests and having them dine in a relaxed atmosphere, this could be the perfect career for you. However, if you prefer fine dining restaurant management, you may wish to consider applying for a position at one of these fine dining establishments. Either way, the job will provide you with the opportunity to not only meet and interact with delicious food, but also people whom you would normally never meet.
