The Best Time to Dine At Fine Dining Restaurants

I have this little tradition where I dine at a fine dining restaurant to celebrate my birthday every year. Because I rarely eat out or take out on a regular basis, this celebration is very special to me and something that I look forward to every year. But this year I have decided to celebrate my birthday a little earlier, and here’s why. . .


Most fine dining restaurants serve seasonal based menu. My birthday falls around the end of October, and because of that, I have mostly tasted autumn/winter menu. No doubt that the food is outstanding but I have hardly been served any of my favourite fruits and vegetables. I realized it is because most of my favourites are in season during summer. Summer is when fruits and vegetables are at their peak ripeness for the chefs to choose from. Think fresh plum tomatoes, squash, eggplants, corn, cauliflower lots of fresh greens and herbs, peaches, figs, apricots and so many more. If those talented chefs can cook outstanding food with winter ingredients, I can’t even imagine how delicious their summer menu would be. This is why I think the best time to dine at a fine dining restaurant might be during summer. Although, I would still encourage anyone to try other seasons too.

Photo by Francesso Tonelli for Eleven Madison Park.