My Restaurant Review Guidelines

I will be starting some restaurant reviews and to qualify and quantify my reviews, I am dividing the restaurants into categories. The categories I will use, will be the same standards set by the AAA and their Diamond Rating system, and they are as follows:

One Diamond [basic; good food]
A one diamond restaurant must meet basic requirements pertaining to management, cleanliness and overall quality. The primary focus is on providing wholesome, straightforward and familiar food at an economical price. Generally, the menu selection is limited to a restaurant’s specialty, such as hamburgers, fried chicken, pizza or tacos. Service is limited, in many instances self service, and the surroundings are often utilitarian.

Two Diamond [relaxed family fare]
A two diamond restaurant displays noticeable enhancements to food presentation, such as the use of common garnishes in combination with the dishware. Typically, the menu offers a wide selection featuring familiar favorites or home-style foods often cooked to order and reasonably priced. The service, while often limited, is plain-speaking and relaxed. The surroundings, while limited in scope, typically reflect a clear theme. All elements combine to provide a familiar, often family-oriented experience.

Three Diamond [entry-level fine dining]
A three diamond restaurant often employs a professional chef and a supporting staff of highly-trained cooks. The menu is skillfully prepared and often reflects interpretations of the latest trends or a mastering of traditional cuisine. Typically, there are expanded offerings of beverages in complement to the menu, such as international/regional wines, specialty beers, cocktails and soft drinks. A professional dining room manager leads a complement of efficient service staff. The service reflects some degree of refinement, such as reservations accepted, personal assistance or the ability to adapt to the guest’s specific needs. The décor reflects the use of well-coordinated design mediums that provide a distinct theme and good comfort. Restaurants at this level convey an entry into fine dining and are often positioned as an adult-oriented experience.

Four Diamond [fine dining]
A four diamond restaurant is geared to individuals in search of a distinctive fine-dining experience. Often orchestrated by an executive chef and an accomplished staff, menus reflect a high degree of creativity and complexity, using imaginative presentations to enhance high quality, market-fresh ingredients. The equally proficient service staff demonstrates a strong desire to meet or exceed guest expectations. A wine steward is typically available to provide menu-specific knowledge on wine selection. The ambiance is highly refined, comfortable and well-coordinated, incorporating quality materials and a variety of upscale design enhancements to give a first-class impression. The overall dining experience is typically expensive.

Five Diamond [world-class dining]
A five diamond restaurant is renowned and consistently provides a world-class experience. This is "haute cuisine" at its best. Menus are cutting edge, using only the finest ingredients available. Food is prepared in a manner that is highly imaginative and unique. The combination of technique and ingredients is extraordinary, reflecting the impeccable artistry and awareness of highly-acclaimed chefs. A maître d’ leads an expert service staff that exceeds guest expectations by attending to every detail in an effortless and unobtrusive manner.

Each reviewed restaurant will be classified into one of these categories and given stars (on a five star scale) based on how that restaurant measures up to the standards of each categories.

I hope you enjoy the reviews, and the first will come out this week.