Unpacking Unrealistic Expectations for Chefs
In the era of TikTok and viral food trends, the dining landscape has undergone an unexpected transformation. As chefs, you've likely noticed a shift in diners' expectations - they've become more impatient and now crave their meals faster than ever before. Beneath the surface, TikTok has played a role in creating somewhat unrealistic expectations for chefs. Let's delve into this phenomenon.
The TikTok Effect on Dining Expectations:
Instant Gratification Culture: TikTok, with its quick video format, has fostered an "instant gratification" culture. Diners now expect dishes to materialise almost instantly, overlooking the time and craftsmanship that goes into preparing restaurant-quality meals.
Perfectly Plated Perceptions: The visually stunning dishes showcased on TikTok have set a new standard for presentation. Diners often expect their plates to resemble the impeccably plated creations they've seen online, which can be challenging to replicate during busy service hours.
Homemade Hype: TikTok's emphasis on at-home cooking hacks has created the illusion that complex dishes can be prepared effortlessly. Diners may arrive at your restaurant with unrealistic notions about the ease of cooking and the speed at which intricate dishes can be prepared.
Navigating Unrealistic Expectations:
Open Communication: Transparency is key. Engage with your diners and communicate your commitment to delivering quality dishes, which may take a little more time but are worth the wait. Explain the process and appreciate their patience.
Efficiency Without Sacrificing Quality: Strive for efficiency in your kitchen operations without compromising on the quality of your dishes. Streamlining processes and using tools can help meet expectations while maintaining culinary excellence. Purchasing high quality products that can pass off as house-made are a good place to start (our new Sourdough Garlic Bread, for example, is a step up from average garlic bread, perfect for venues that usually make their own but are facing staff shortages and need more cost-efficient solutions).
Embrace TikTok Trends Smartly: Instead of resisting the TikTok wave, consider embracing it by incorporating trending dishes into your menu. Just be sure to manage diners' expectations about preparation times.
Educate and Appreciate: Share your culinary knowledge with your diners. Educate them about the intricacies of your craft and the effort that goes into each dish. An informed diner is more likely to appreciate the culinary journey.
TikTok has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we discover and engage with food. While it has brought excitement and inspiration to the culinary world, it has also contributed to the rise of impatient diners. As chefs, the challenge lies in finding the delicate balance between meeting these expectations and upholding the standards of your craft.
