Dining out saves the restaurant-goer the hassle of buying groceries, spending hours in the kitchen preparing meals and cleaning dishes. Dining out is the epitome of convenience and it should be done with the peace of mind that you are receiving the best from your food service providers.

As a paying customer, restaurants are obliged to offer you three things above all else: tasty, safe food that is served in a timely manner. These three requirements are applicable to all levels of food service establishments.

First, taste, as with beauty, is in the eye, or in this case, palate, of the beholder. Different people enjoy different foods. Regardless of the type of cuisine and level of service, the food on offer must be delicious/nutritious. This is evaluated by the textures, flavors, seasonings, and temperatures (cold foods served cold and hot foods served hot) of the foods being served. Of course, what’s tasty for me is not necessarily tasty for the next person but the idea is you get the same product every time you go to your favorite food outlet.

Safe food starts with the proper handling of raw items before preparation. If for example, a piece of meat is not stored in a fridge set between 2 and -2 degrees Celsius for at least two hours, the risk of food-borne illness is high and it should not be served to the customer. Cooking or preparing the food before service is also a potentially hazardous point. Undercooked chicken, for instance increases the risk of salmonella. The safety element is also important in the type of ingredients used. Preservatives, excessive salt and poisonous substances (yes poisonous but used in very small quantities such as degreasers, disinfectant and other chemical cleaners) are all things that food businesses need and have to take into consideration before serving it to their customers. “The stomach is home to every illness” warned the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), a statement that clearly and logically presents the fact that what you eat will affect your health.

Finally, receiving your food in a timely manner depends on the type of food establishment you are visiting. At one end of the spectrum, fast food implies that you will be served your food FAST!! On the other side of the spectrum, fine dining can be expected to take an average 15 to 30 minutes for each course. Places like this are intended for people to experience every detail presented to them, from décor to music to courteous and professional service. All are examples of what you are paying for along with the food on your plate.

Like doctors to their patients, restaurateurs have tremendous obligations to the people they serve. If we choose to dine out, our health, nutrition and well-being is in their hands. So demand the best from your food service providers. At a minimum, demand consistency in taste, safety and a timely presentation. And always eat well, eat a little, and enjoy life.

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