January 17 to February 2 is Tourism Vancouvers much anticipated Dine Out Vancouver Festival the largest restaurant festival in the city.
I have mixed feelings about the festival. I prefer Dine Out events, not because Im hosting one this year (6 Course Discourse), but because theyre one-offs that you cant enjoy the rest of the year.
There are restaurants that really shine during Dine Out; it just takes some research to find them.
Dine Out Vancouver is a social festival more than an opportunity to really judge a restaurant based on that one experience, so approach it with the right mentality and courtesy.
Do
Research. Go on DineOutVancouver.com and scope out the menus so you know what to expect. Go on the official restaurant website and compare it to the DOVF menu. Calculate if its good value, if they offer a price fixe menu on a regular basis, or if menu items overlap. I like when they overlap because I find it more representable. In many cases, Dine Out menus equal to a free appetizer/dessert, which is fine, but just do your research. There are some hidden gems outside of Vancouver too.
Dont
Judge a restaurant on Dine Out alone.
Do
Go back on a regular night. It is a festival and not necessarily representative of a regular night. If the experience is positive, go back, but even if its a bit underwhelming try it on a regular night before writing it off. A restaurant might change normal operations or the execution of the menu to accommodate the festival.
Dont
Be afraid to ask for a regular menu and explore other options. The Dine Out menu tends to play it safe, or sometimes the signature item is on the regular menu. The regular menu gives you a better idea of whats offered and is good for future reference.
Do
Tip appropriately. DOVF is especially busy and stressful for most restaurants and staff. If they deserve it, show it.
Dont
Be late or dishonour a reservation. Since Dine Out typically means higher volume, reservations are usually tight and tables often need to be turned quicker than usual.
Do
Provide value or a deal. No one wants you to lose money, but an undeniable appeal of DOVF is the deal.
Dont
Skimp on portions or substitute ingredients to meet the price point. This is my pet peeve and what turns me off most about some DOVF menus. It doesnt make a good impression when people feel the need to shell out another $20 for dinner #2. Save money by using affordable ingredients, but dont use poor quality ingredients or jeopardize the menu to make it Dine Out appropriate. Make sure its still something served outside of DOVF.
Do
Provide a representative menu. The Dine Out crowd can be extra critical. Give a proper representation of what it would be like coming in on a regular night. Set expectations properly for a diners future experience.
Dont
Rush your customer. I get turning tables during a busy time, but give them the warning at the reservation or at the door. Dont tell them when they sit down.
Do
Treat customers equally. Dont think the Dine Out crowd is entirely made up of bargain hunters and customers who will never return. You just never know whos in the bunch.
Dont
Try extra hard to blow them away on Dine Out. Restaurants have a chance to win a Best Bite Award and bragging rights based on diner votes. Its great to recognize restaurants who go all out, but at the same time restaurants who go all out year round deserve credit. Maintain a standard for excellent service and food all the time. Be consistent. Be real. People will brag for you.
Mijune will be talking about her 6 Course Discourse on CBC TVs Our Vancouver on Jan. 15. The Dine Out Vancouver Festival event is January 20 at the Edgewater Casino and features Hamid Samilian, John Bishop, Vikram Vij, Scott Jaeger, Tina Fineza, and a BC wine and canapé standing reception from 18 wineries and restaurants. Mijune will also be participating in Dine Out Vancouvers Chef Soup Experiment (50 chefs bring one ingredient to make soup) on Jan. 17. Find out more about Mijune and 6 Course Discourse at FollowMeFoodie.com or follow her on Twitter @followmefoodie.
