To those in Vancouver, you should have heard of this event. To those not in Vancouver, this is an event here, usually in late January, where restaurants offer three course fixed menus for $18/$28/$38 (depending on the restaurant, previously $15/$25/$35). More details about this year’s event can be found here.
According to some, it is a good time to try restaurants otherwise you would not go (since it is “cheap”). From what I have heard/read, restaurants barely break even during the event (due to the lower than usual prices) but, rather, its purpose is to attract customers during this month (which would be usually slow) and hopefully make them regulars in the future. Regardless of the reasons or motivations, restaurants are usually packed during this event and reservations ahead of time are usually encouraged (specially in the popular ones).
Now, here is my question for you: Do you think a post of one of the restaurant participating in the event would be a fair assessment of the restaurant? On one side, there is the fact that restaurants must be consistent; however, at the same to attract customers at these prices some corners ought to be cut. My main concern here is the dining experience might not be representative of a visit on a regular night.
Regardless, I will be visiting a couple of restaurants (which ones are yet to be determined). Most probably if I blog my visits, will have to add a note that it is based on a Dine Out night rather than a “regular” night so Caveat Emptor.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
That is a very good question. I’m going to have to ponder about that before I reply. I was thinking the same thing too now that DineOut is right around the corner.
Agreed, good topic and timely too with the fresh announcement of the event. Interesting to note the bump in prices this year too. Ideally, reviews of places I feel are best developed over a couple of visits (knowing the $ implications of trying to dine out at the same place several times), at different times over the year and even day. I suppose its just one way of trying to “average” out the experience, much like visiting a prospective new home to gauge the noise around the place, how traffic is on weekdays (to drive to work) versus weekends (to get out of town, etc.), what the neighborhood is like during the day versus at night to let you know what kind of people are walking the streets.
More back to your question, I think if you were to do a post of a D.O.V meal, as long as you say it was during this event, then people can make their own extrapolations about it – as everyone has their own thoughts on eating at these places during this time (positive and negative), as you noted. Maybe you could follow up such a meal with a review during a more “regular” time to give that comparison touch.
I reckon it would be a fair review because although they’ll have to cut some corners like you said, the reason for them doing the promotion is to gain more regular customers so however they try to save, this should be done in a way that won’t compromise on quality. The only thing which I gather might affect the quality slightly is the large number of customers at some smaller restaurants which might usually not be equipped to cook for that many people.
Fair point. Maybe we need to somehow differentiate the reviews of the restaurants during this event. After all, they are offering some descent discounts during this event, so the food, and even the service is not going to be a good indicator of the restaurant.
Interesting post indeed
I have never participated in the event and was thinking of trying it out this year. Which restaurants would you recommend?
I looked through some of the menus and I must agree they arent necesarily ‘cheap’ like you pointed out. I happen to go to Joe Fortes quite often as I love their seafood tower (1 tier), and I can order everything I want for roughy the same, if not cheaper, than the DOV price for two. Or maybe it’s just me cuz I rarely order dessert, an appetizer and entre is already way too much food.
Hi Melisa,
I will highly recommend Parkside. I have heard also good things about Don Francesco.
I agree with Shokutsu that a true review should happen over a few visits. I believe Mia Stansby visits the restaurant at least a couple of times when conducting her review.
Dine Out is held in the first two months of the year for a reason. In general people are not spending money because they are still recovering from their Christmas credit card bill. This is when restaurants need to attract attention and customers. I would like think restaurants look at this as marketing, a strong impression may convert people or at least leave such a lasting impression on the person that he/she tells 10 of their friends about their fantastic experience. With a potential depression coming coupled with a slow spending month, most restaurants need to push themselves in order to increase the market share. This is the time for companies to spend wisely on marketing not stop it all together.
I did not make any reservations for this years DOV. The first year it was offered, the top tier was 25 dollars and I went to over ten restaurants. I did feel my steak at Gotham was of cheaper quality. Now at 38 dollars, I rather just enjoy the main course that I want when I want and not have the appetizer.