Saudi restaurants: Are they to our taste?
Anyone who lives in Saudi Arabia knows that our foremost source of entertainment here is eating out. In Jeddah for example, many people of all ages, don’t do much entertaining at home. They prefer to gather with family or friends at their favorite café or restaurant. You even have to book a table in the weekends because they are so trendy and busy. But are these eating establishments giving us our money’s worth? Cities like Jeddah are full of restaurants to suite every budget. But lately many eateries have hiked up their prices, particularly since the ban on the service charge. Some seem to be targeting only those who can only afford to go there to celebrate special occasions.
Wearing your fashionable abaya, and designer handbag, you step into one of these establishments; you are impressed by the interesting décor that reflects not only good taste but also its exuberant cost. That’s expected, since we go there to be entertained and the surrounding décor and elegant yet fun atmosphere are part of that. The maître d’, is all smiles as he ushers you to your table, making you feel very special. You smile back, anticipating a wonderful culinary experience. The leather bound menus are full of promisingly delicious dishes that are, of course, highly priced. That’s fine too, since it seems you and your sophisticated companions are about to enjoy the tastiest of meals, in an upmarket restaurant, cooked by an amazing chef and served by the most professional and amiable waiters.
But your expectations are shattered a few minutes later! The waiters barely understand your orders especially if you have any special request that requires full knowledge of each dish. Still, you are patient and think perhaps they are still in training. Then, the biggest disappointment comes when you taste your expensive meal. It’s too bland or too salty, a bit raw or over cooked, average at best and your taste buds are hardly impressed at all! Thus you end up grudgingly paying a hefty bill for less than expected value, also having to apologize to your companions for inviting them there. Thus it seems that restaurant owners fail to invest enough money, or perhaps they don’t see the need to, in the most important elements of running a successful restaurant: expensive talented chefs, and highly trained waiters. Because without them, their clientele will leave feeling disappointed and somewhat cheated. Restaurant owners know that we Saudis love good food, and are no strangers to quality restaurants, so they must cater more to our sophisticated palates.
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