One of the most popular ways for couples to celebrate Valentine’s Day is going out to dinner, despite the fact that it’s notoriously one of the worst days to dine out. Even chefs will tell you that overpriced special menus, rushed service from slammed restaurant staff and everyone wanting a 7:30 reservation create the perfect storm for a less-than-stellar experience.
But it doesn’t have to be terrible. If you still want to brave a restaurant this Valentine’s Day, experts say these are the red flags to be aware of before you book that table.
- Valentine’s Day “specials” - Some restaurants come up with “special” dishes and menus for special occasions, but they don’t always live up to the hype. Chef Chris Atwood advises being wary of extras “included” in the price, like a bottle of champagne that they upcharge a lot for. And consider it a warning sign if your go-to Italian suddenly offers fresh oysters or sushi on February 14th. You’re better off sticking to restaurants that stick to what they do best.
- Restaurants that are just “doing it for the ‘Gram” - Atmosphere is an important element of a dining experience, but be cautious when a restaurant leans too hard on aesthetics. “Avoid anywhere that’s trying too hard,” says Ivan Beacco, chef and owner of New York City’s Red Inside Catering. “And if a place cares more about its Instagram feed than the food on the plate, that’s another red flag. You want a restaurant that prioritizes flavor over follower count.”
- Buffets - They’re already risky for food safety and on a busy night, it’s even more risky. Beacco warns, “Just don’t,” when it comes to buffets.
- Squished-in seating - If they’re packing in extra tables or seats, then you might want to rethink dining there on Valentine’s Day. You may have to do some research, checking social media for how they handled last year’s holiday or if there are complaints in reviews, or calling the restaurant to ask if they’re adding more tables for the night.
- Chain restaurants - Sure, they’re affordable and reliable, but they may not be able to keep up with the holiday rush. Mistakes can happen anywhere, but if the restaurant is slammed and the kitchen is overwhelmed, your meal will suffer and is that really how you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day?
Source: Huff Post