Restaurants - The Basics

Restaurants are businesses, which serve various types of foods and drinks to paying customers. In general, most meals are delivered and consumed at the establishment, however many also provide home delivery and take-out options. These businesses come in a variety of looks, locations, while also serving a variety of food options depending on the exact type of restaurant. In this article, we will provide a general overview of these establishments.

Just as with taverns and inns, these establishments were built with the aim of serving traveling folk, seeing very little local fare. These days, dining establishments are frequented by a vast number of people, both local and traveling.

Modern dining mainly consists of businesses that dedicate themselves to the preparation and serving of food items. Specific menu items are ordered by the customer and are typically prepared individually, according to the specifics outlined in the order itself. While this type or restaurant only recently came into being in 18th century Europe, China shows records of similar models in the centuries prior.

The establishment owner is referred to as a restaurateur, taken from the French verb restaurer, which means “to restore”. The professionals who prepare the meals are called chefs, though preparation staff and line cooks will also make food items in a less hands on and artistic fashion in some establishments.

The range in type is vast. From simple lunch and dining establishments with simple food and settings, to more extravagant settings serving only the finest cuts and beverages. In simple dining situations, customers generally wear casual clothing items, while in the latter example customers are more inclined to wear formal dress.

In general, customers will be seated at tables with a waiter taking orders and bringing the food out once the order has been prepared. Customers will pay prior to leaving, and once a bill has been received. In busier establishments, there may be a host to seat customers, along with a greater, and bus boys. The staff can vary greatly from establishment to establishment.

Restaurants will often choose a specialty to focus their energies on, combined with the atmosphere to create a unique vibe or theme. Customers are able to choose from those that specialize in seafood, to steaks, Italian, vegetarian, and so on. In general, those eating establishments who prepare food items catering to the local culture are typically referred to as restaurants, while those selling goods of a foreign natural are distinguished based on the cuisine of origin.