Dining out after the Covid-19 lockdown. Plus a few tips.
I’ll let you in to a little secret. The first few days of our Dubai restaurant lockdown were a welcome relief for me. I no longer HAD to dine out. Given prior, I was eating out more than in, restaurant outings had become a chore, and the decision of which new spot to visit next, along with all the research, was completely whipped out of my hands. Hurrah!
However, that sense of relief was short-lived – and I soon started to experience what I have deemed ‘restaurant withdrawal symptoms’ – an anxiety and melancholy of sorts. Trivial you may say, but we have to respect that we’re all wired differently, and are impacted by this crisis in different ways. So once the lockdown started to ease and Dubai’s restaurants were permitted to re-open, I bolted out of the door to visit some of my favourite haunts. For two reasons – to lend my support – but also, for my own sanity. Mental wellbeing is as important as our physical health.
Ever-changing rules and regulations abound though. Masks and gloves for staff, with temperature checking and hand sanitisation for us all are now the norm everywhere. As of publishing this article, restaurants in Dubai can only operate until 11pm. Thank goodness I like early dinners. And like to be in bed before Cinderella time. Whilst the 30% capacity was lifted, ‘safe spacing’* of two metres between tables is still compulsory making a jam-packed restaurant impossible. Well, unless the restaurants wish to install Perspex divider screens to get round this regulation. *Incidentally, a psychologist (Briar Jacques) has advised the phrase ‘safe spacing’ is more appropriate to wrap our heads round, rather than ‘social distancing’ which is associated with fear. Thankfully, regular crockery, cutlery and glassware are permitted for food and all beverages, the boozy type included – provided ‘mechanical’ dishwashers are in place. The kind of restaurants, I frequent, do. Kids above three years of age, and over 60s can now dine in any outlets, except those in malls.
To keep up to date with the latest Dubai Municipality restaurant directives, check out the official FoodWatch website here – click on ‘updates and news’.
Whilst not essential, many establishments have replaced physical menus with QR codes to be scanned on your own phone. I appreciate the hygiene and sustainability attributes, but online scrolling makes it tricky to peruse dishes. Give me a real menu any day – and I’ll sanitise my hands before and after.
I struggle with staff wearing masks which hides their expressions – a crucial element of building that diner-waiter connection. I realised how much I was lip reading. But despite this so-called ‘new normal’ (I prefer the term ‘interim normal’), surprisingly, the vibe is buzzing with the conviviality that comes from sharing a table and breaking bread with family and friends. I’ve ‘bumped’ into people I haven’t seen in a few months, and who, unknown to them, have re-energised me. Many restaurants are as busy as can be, which is reassuring for an F&B industry that was on its knees. In one café, we had to wait in the car for five minutes or so until a table became available. So long may their popularity continue – even though, I fear, once flight routes open up and quarantine is lifted, the mass exodus will start.
If you are already dining out, or hoping to soon, please do keep in mind that many are independent local businesses desperately trying to keep afloat, with responsibility for countless livelihoods.
This quote from Gourmet Traveller Australia really resonated: “If there’s an opportunity to drink and eat at your favourite venue, it’s good to remember they fought to be there.”
The following eight tips may help:
- Be patient. Restaurants are running at reduced staff levels, so service could be a little slow. On top of that, due to supply issues and re-engineering of menus, not all dishes may be available.
- For licensed restaurants in particular, do reserve in advance, and if you change your mind, make sure to cancel well ahead. No-shows are a dirty word now more than ever.
- I’ve said this a number of times before, but if the experience has impressed you, make sure to tip in cash – more on that here. Team members are working on reduced salaries, so every little helps.
- If you can afford to, avoid redeeming discount/ 2for1 vouchers which harm a restaurant’s bottom line. These offers are at a cost to the restaurant, not the app.
- Mistakes will happen. Have a chat with the manager in person or via private message. Don’t name and shame on social media. That applies to me too! More on my editorial policy for another article.
- On the flip side, when you have something positive to share, spread the word on social media – whether that’s an online review, a comment, or simply telling family and friends. Use the hashtag #UAERestaurantsUnite so that it shows up in searches. Word of mouth is still the most powerful medium.
- Follow the restaurant on their social channels and subscribe to their newsletters.
- And lastly, if you’re not comfortable dining out yet, buy a gift voucher for yourself or for friends – either through this commission-free website or direct with your go-to restaurants.
The crisis has taught me to never ever take restaurant dining for granted, and I feel very privileged to have carved out a career in this endearing, addictive industry – one that has become my extended family.
I hope that was a secret worth sharing.
How have you found dining out? Any suggestions of your own to share?
If you’re in need of restaurant recommendations, here are where Dubai’s top restaurateurs and chefs are eating. As for me, since the re-openings, I have dined out at these licensed restaurants – Mythos, BB Social Dining and La Petite Maison. And when I craved something more casual – Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, Tashas, Maiz Tacos, Jones The Grocer and Depachika Food Hall.
Stay safe, sane and united.
A bientôt.
FooDiva. x
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