The Full Experience

Some things I recommend:

1) If a restaurant has a full bar with a bartender and specialty cocktail list - Order one!

The establishment probably worked really hard to make those cocktails really delicious (they want you to buy them, lots of them). This is an opportunity to try a new flavor combination and another way to see things from the restaurant's point of view.

If the restaurant is proud of its wine list, order a bottle (glass) with dinner too. At the same time, if a restaurant is proud of its wine list and that is about it, take their word for it, they want you to be drinking wine (I am sure there are probably some other licensing issues and decisions happening there as well). I overheard a couple ask about the margaritas at Oleana. I am all for people getting what they want and not being ashamed to ask for it, but know where you are. The staff at Oleana could talk to you for days about their wine list and food but as the waitress said, "we don't really do margaritas."

2)If a restaurant has listed its pastry chef on the menu and the price seems awfully high - Order One (two...three)!

The best pastry chefs are going to be at those restaurants where they get their due credit. It is hard enough for Pastry Chefs to get all the respect they deserve in the business. When they are listed on the menu you have a sense that their skills are appreciated by someone in charge. (However, I can't say how well that translates in the kitchen environment). The price also indicates that a talented person is behind those desserts. That extra money is paying for someone to just be the pastry chef and the restaurant is going to need you to feel like 12 dollars was more than worth it.