ImStillMags wrote:
> I have a question for this group.
>
> I'm asking because I have three separate business plans and three
> separate concepts done for restaurants. Most of you know I've been a
> restaurant owner.

I had no idea. Cool.

> The food business is my first love.
>
> I'm interested to hear from you, fellow foodies, about your thoughts
> on what constitutes 'your favorite place'.
>
> What makes a restaurant most appealing to you.
> What is it that keeps you going back.

Comfortable surroundings. Good food. The problem is I
usually find that combination in pub style places, so take it for
what it is.

It's not that I haven't had wonderful meals in places with white
tablecloths and well dressed waiters, it's just not where I am
especially comfortable or am inclined to return very often.

And I have seen restaurants around here open with their nice
white tablecloths, and they don't last very long. It's a casual
crowd where I live.

There is a place near me that I just love, it's dark (think prairee
style architecture, lots of wood) overlooks a river, the food is wonderful,
but it's on a river and some people come in off their boat wearing
what they wear, other people are in dockers, some people dress
up. And everyone's comforable.

What doesn't make me comfortable, bright lights, shiny finishes
and mirrors. And teeny tables all close together. It's just me.
Some people seem to like that.

> What about the selection of dishes.
> Breakfast
> Lunch
> Dinner
> Bar
> Staff.....talk about the ideal restaurant staff, servers, bartenders,
> hostesses, etc.

Welcoming staff that doesn't hover, yet notices you need a
refill without being hunted down.

> Decor
> Ambiance
> Location
> Surroundings

I'm not a strip mall kind of person, to be honest. I don't think
to myself, oh, don't go there, it's in a strip mall. But ... I don't.
(laugh) Maybe a pizza joint, that's okay.

> Is it one particular cuisine or a selection of dishes?
> Really think about why you like a particular place and consider it
> your go-to place when you want to go out to eat.

I like a no-pressure place where I might find fried green beans
or potsticker appetizers, or maybe I'll just have a steak. Or just
a burger. I warned you, I like pub food. My usual haunt is a busy
place, and has been for years, so I'm not the only one. Sometimes the
food's not as great as I'd like. Sometimes it's the best (whatever) I can
remember having. I do wish they were more consistent. On the
great side.

> Any thoughts you have are most appreciated.

I doubt I've helped you at all, but good luck with whatever you
decide.

nancy