Spending time preparing a meal for yourself or others can be quite a delightful experience. A lot of heart and soul go into the entire process. You spend time searching for the perfect recipes. You compile a menu that even ends with dessert. You find yourself browsing the aisles of your local grocery store and checking off the ingredients one at a time. Once you have everything you need you take your purchases home and begin the process of prep work that goes into a fine cooked homemade meal. The entire process can honestly take the better half of a day. In some cases; a large meal takes an entire day to play, shop for, prepare and serve. Once the meal is done and the guests are fed there are still dishes to be washed and a kitchen to be cleaned up.

Many may argue that there is nothing more satisfying than a home cooked meal but there are other just as amazing dining options available. What about a restaurant with an exceptional menu, attentive wait staff and stellar ambiance? There are chain restaurants and home cooking feel good restaurants and then there is a special type that is a cut above the rest. These restaurants often have amazing tables and dining areas. You instantly feel relaxed and at home.

Dining should not just be a necessity but it should be an experience. For some the experience can feel like being on a mini vacation. If you are dining water front, river side or mountain top you have instant ambiance that gives your restaurant of choice a leg up on their in-town competition. Some popular dishes contain pasta, steak, seafood and creative tasteful ingredients. Restaurants that are located water front such as Fog Harbor seafood restaurant are often expected to have extensive seafood selections. Being by the water in a coast region gives these establishments the first dips at the freshest fish. Popular seafood dishes include pan seared scallops, shrimp, salmon, lobster and crab legs. The presentation of the meal is just as important as the taste.

Additional features that many people find appealing in their restaurant selections include extensive wine and cocktail lists, a nice seating area for before or after dinner drinks, a comfortable bar, eye catching sites, a unique dessert menu and a children’s menu. While some restaurants may be more upscale and not put a focus on large family style meals, it is always recommended to accommodate the younger restaurant goers that may also be foodies in the making. When all of these criteria are met and the restaurant is bright and welcoming, they will often experience return customers quite often. A social and well-organized hostess combined with an attentive and prompt wait staff can complete the entire dining experience. Always call about reservations if you plan on visiting your favorite restaurant on a busy night or if you are attending with a larger group. This will make the dining and waiting experience more enjoyable.