If you’re familiar with the Leicestershire Curry Awards, you’ll know that one of the most coveted awards on offer is ‘Best Fine Dining’. When it comes to eating out, more often than not the atmosphere, aesthetic and general vibe of a restaurant is just as important as the cuisine. The two go hand in hand. Nobody wants to go out and eat delicious food in a bland, soulless environment. It destroys the experience and no matter how good the food is, customers won’t be keen to return…
When people make the choice to go out and eat, they’re looking for a bit of escapism – a chance to indulge in something special in a place which matches the cuisine. In short, what they’re looking for is an experience -something which really activates all of your senses: smell, sound, sight, touch, taste. Being able to trigger all of the senses is the key to making a restaurant stand out.
When I think of the perfect Indian restaurant, my mind conjures up images of a warm, welcoming environment – a place with rich, sumptuous surroundings and a touch of luxury. I’m thinking deep red tones, accents of gold and plush velvet chairs perhaps…I’m thinking candles lit booths (harsh lighting is a definite no no), attentive waiters and a charming ambiance which makes you want to settle in, and stay for as long as possible. It’s no surprise that when I’m really enjoying a restaurant, I’m more likely to order desert and an extra coffee perhaps in order to prolong the experience…
When it comes to winning ‘Best Fine Dining’ at the Leicestershire Curry Awards, it’s all about the experience – and little details which go a long way… It could be anything from extra fluffy towels in the bathroom, a charming little chocolate with the bill or flowers on the table which bring a warm smile to the customer’s face. Those are the things which stick in a person’s head and make them feel special. It’s the greatest gift you can give to a customer and they’ll reward you by coming back for more…
Think you know a restaurant which deserves the ‘Best Fine Dining’ crown at this years’ awards?
Remember to nominate from May 1st!