I love going out to eat. And I probably do it way more than I “should” for health and wallet purposes. And then there are my kids, 12 and 15, who are now pretty much spoiled by going out to eat too often, which is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I want them to experience different foods, different atmospheres, and have impeccable table manners (a lost art but one I am adamant about) but then on the other hand, they want five star food every night. (We’re working on understanding “balance”). It is my hope that they will at some point in their young careers work in hospitality. I share this sentiment with them often so we’ll see what actually happens. But either way, I do find myself explaining to them what is happening during our dining experiences. I give them my thoughts on how we were greeted, what the waitstaff are doing in the server stations, our table maintenance (full water glasses, clean table), how long it takes to get each course, where the managers are, but probably above all, who is genuine and who is there just to fill a job. And I don’t do this in a nit-picky way, at least that is never my intent, and I look for the good in every experience we have – even the bad ones.
As with any business, but most certainly with restaurants, consistency is key. Some might believe it’s everything. Consistency with the food, of course, but consistency across the board in just guest expectations from the atmosphere, to the vibe, to basically how you feel when dining there. To know what to expect, and to trust that’s what you’ll get each and every time.
I find myself in a constant search for these restaurants and am often asked which are my favorites. I have many favorites and will share three of them here with you. But I would like to learn about YOUR favorites. Please email me at Kasey@SparkBusinessConsulting.com and tell me where you love to frequent and why!
Salt Society, Scituate Harbor
This place is quite unusual and a rare find. It’s one of those places that if you didn’t know about it and just stumbled upon it, you’d find reasons to come back. They have the BEST, freshest sushi, beautifully plated, and the combinations they have created are a true wonder. The same is true for their drink menu. I have never heard of nor seen most of these gorgeous concoctions and each one will blow you away. They are artful and delicious and you just feel upscale when imbibing on them. And then there is the staff who are more experienced and knowledgeable than any other place I have been to in recent memory. They know their stuff and what’s more impressive, they actually seem to truly care. The thoughtfulness and care shows through from the moment you walk into this small oasis, to your encounters with the staff, the presentation of the food and drinks, and through the timing of it all. Salt Society is a dining experience at its finest.
The Oysterman, Duxbury
Then there is The Oysterman in Duxbury which has a similar feel to Salt Society – small, cozy, yet hip and fun. I mean, just sitting in this place makes you feel like an in-the-know, well-liked local, even when you’re not (a local, I am sure you’re well-liked ;)). The menu is vastly different from Salt Society, no sushi, but a lovely, curated menu of bistro-style food. They have a great burger and fish & chips, raw bar, filet mignon and of course, an unbelievable lobster roll. The staff here are very well educated on the menu and the etiquettes of serving and if you can get a table, you can’t go wrong.
