The new fine dining in the 21 Century
Submitted by Mr. Michael Vass, a contributing author.
Fine dining has always been a great experience. It’s been a kind of elegance reserved for one of the primal needs of all people. It’s more than just feeling the need for food to sate hunger, it’s an activity shared with friends and family, and occasionally business associates. For me it’s similar to something that Senior Drill Instructor Sergeant Williams once told me, “Drill is like walking. But formally.”
That experience of fine dining is not a new thing. In ways the experience can be compared to dining with the King in medieval courts. But in a 21st-century it seems that things are changing. A trend has appeared and seems to be taking hold that might surprise you in some of the newer restaurants across the nation, and particularly in New York City.
From paper mats, at the BLT Market - found in the Ritz Carlton Hotel, to diners dressed in overpriced jeans, and the introduction of burgers to the menu formality has become a thing of the past. I’m sure some of the younger readers may find this to be a wonderful trend, I generally don’t. I expect a little bit more. Especially when it’s considered that the price of the meals have not gone down.
I have never considered a hamburger, no matter what it is comprised of, to be part of fine dining. It is a vital component of fast food, but not fine dining. In my opinion going out to a restaurant to order a burger and spend two or $300 is not only a waste of money, but also a misunderstanding of what fine dining is. Much like jeans, regardless of the name or price, are still just jeans, a burger is just that. McDonald’s covers that dining experience very well across the world for roughly half a century. I would expect more from fine dining than competing with fast food chain.
This is my opinion, obviously several great chefs, and elegant restaurants feel I am incorrect. It would seem that only time and the potential patrons in New York City will determine if I am correct.
What do you consider fine dining? How much would you pay to be served a burger? I’d really like to hear what you think.
