Lets eat out, together. Our top 5 reasons you should dine out for your next meal.

The benefits of eating together are obvious, the dining table is a place where we commune with one another and take a break from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life. We wanted to take a look at why eating at a restaurant elevates your experience and brings your group even closer. So, here are our top 5 reasons to eat out, together!

1. The experience.

Is there anything better than walking into a new restaurant and taking in the ambience? Modern restaurants are a sensory delight with the décor and colour schemes carefully chosen to enhance your experience. From calming pastels with glass and metal accents such to the popping murals designed to spirit you away, some of our favourite dining rooms are Chiwahwah’s Mexican Cantina Bar and Gre3n at the Crossing. A menu that showcases fresh, flavourful and in season meals awaits ready to take you on a culinary journey anywhere in the world.  From coconut scented laksa of Chow to the familiar aroma of grilled lamb coming from the kitchen at The Monday room, dining out is the perfect way to ditch the everyday and transport yourself to another world for a few hours.

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

2.  Community.

Restaurants have been a vital part of our society since ancient times. With 2500 years of history, restaurants have been bringing people together far longer than just about any other business. Sadly, it’s no secret our restaurant industry is struggling in the cost-of-living crisis. The closure of any business has a knock on effect on it’s community and restaurants are especially missed when they close.  Recent closures have often been responded to with heartfelt stories and their importance to the locals.  When you choose to spend your disposable income at a local restaurant you are supporting your community. 6% of all New Zealand workers are employed in the hospitality industry. When you visit a restaurant instead of ordering a delivery or takeaway, you are helping keep our service staff employed.  

3. Connection.

Traditional cultures from all over the world value the connection that comes from eating together. What is more iconic than the image of a family under the vine leaves in Southern Italy enjoying their chianti and pasta before controra. I love walking through a BBQ area on holiday and seeing families gathered together with sizzling hot plates, laughter and children playing on long, hot evenings. In our busy lives it is too easy to sacrifice the family meal or come together without the distraction of the TV or cell phones.  Purposefully choosing to eat out means you are investing in the people around you, whether it’s your partner, family, friends or colleagues. Time and attention are our most precious resources and dining out enables you to freely share them.

Photo by Pablo Merchán Montes on Unsplash

4. Convenience.

Let’s face it, one of the most appealing reasons to eat out is no dishes! Not only is the cleaning up left to someone else, but so is the preparation and planning. People often worry about their skill in the kitchen or whether their house is tidy enough for guests. The expense of catering to everyone and feeling awkward about asking others to contribute weighs heavily as well.  We all work hard, coming home to more work is often inevitable, but a well-timed break from the routine can be just what you need to refresh and recharge. Why should one person be responsible for the job of creating a perfect evening when you can all split the bill and relax together?

5.  Flavour. It’s no secret that chefs love food, they want to share that with the community and spend years perfecting their craft.  When you dine out you get to experience the meal as it is intended, not in a plastic box. One of the simple joys of having a meal expertly prepared for you is being able to enjoy the perfect balance of flavour, at the right temperature and served in a way that highlights each element, whether it’s a chef hatted degustation menu or a traditional delight.  

So now you know our reasons for indulging at our favourite restaurants, where will you head to next?

Don’t forget to tag us in your photos so we can see all the amazing places you go to! @eatchoiceapp and #eatchoiceapp