The latest trend in high-end restaurants is to have set tasting menus, which are also known as a degustation. This consists of around six or seven smaller plates of food that focus on using just a few quality ingredients and presenting them in a beautiful way. Although this is now fashionable, I have to say that I am not a fan.
Non-Descriptive Tasting Menus
The first reason is the way the menus are presented. They describe a dish as lamb * lentils* carrots, or lobster* fennel* tomatoes. Is this not simply a list of ingredients? I always want to ask what cut of lamb is it? How is it cooked? Is there a sauce? In what way are the vegetables served? These are the pieces of information I need to know before I order.
I would much prefer to see a dish described as ‘Slow-cooked lamb shank on a bed of puy lentils served with julienne carrots and a red wine reduction‘. Without having to ask further questions, I know exactly what to expect from my meal.
Lack of Choice in Tasting Menus
The second issue I have is the set menu situation. A tasting menu is a list of dishes, and you are given all of them in the order in which they are presented on a menu. In some countries, such as Australia and France, set tasting menus are called degustations.
There is not a choice of three appetizers or a selection of main dishes from which you can choose. You are simply given exactly what is listed on the menu. Part of the joy of eating out for me is perusing the menu and deciding what I fancy to eat that day. A tasting menu takes away that element of pleasure from me.
Pretentious and Pricey
Another issue is the cost. It costs a small fortune for two people to try the tasting menu at a top restaurant. When I was looking into eating at one of the establishments that serve this type of menu recently, I calculated that for my partner and I to go out for the meal, it would cost a week and a half’s salary.
A further issue I have is more about the type of establishment that serves tasting menus rather than the tasting menus themselves. I find them a little pretentious, and I feel uncomfortable.
I would rather dine in a restaurant that is a little more relaxed and where I can feel free to be myself; talking and laughing with my dining companions.
Wine Pairings
Diners can also opt to have wines specially selected to accompany each course. To do this, you can expect to double the cost again. I would much rather choose one bottle of wine I liked and drink that. I know this will distress the wine enthusiasts amongst our readers, as specific wines complement some cuisines better than others.
The Pros of Tasting Menus
Of course, tasting menus are not all bad and I can see why they have become so popular. I do like the idea of tasting some dishes I would not usually order. There are sometimes dishes on a menu that I fancy trying, then worry I will regret my choice. Instead, I will opt for one of my go-to favourites that I know I like. For example, a medium-rare steak with peppercorn sauce is something I can enjoy at any establishment.
Another benefit of a tasting menu is that it gives diners the opportunity to sample some of the finest dishes made by top chefs. These dishes are created using the highest-quality ingredients and presented in a beautiful way. When you put it like that, a tasting menu is a very tempting dining option. However, this style of dining isn’t for me.