The Habit of Dining Out

Break the Habit and Try Something New !

By Karen Irvine Editor, ATOTK

We all have that one spot we automatically gravitate to for a meal out. Routine is a simple thing. It requires no thought process. But what if you stepped out of your comfort zone and ventured to a new restaurant?

I know, I know! It’s hard earned money and you don’t want to risk spending it somewhere that won’t be worthy of the work it took to earn. This is exactly why I started A Taste of the Kawarthas Food Tours. I didn’t want to spend money at an unknown restaurant. Now I can recommend who have amazing food, atmosphere and service in the downtown Peterborough area.

Here are some tips on how to choose a new culinary spot.

Ask your friends. Most people have an opinion about food so it’s easy to get a list of potential new stops. And then ask your friends on social media.

Google it. You would be surprised what you can find when you Google something. Most likely there will be a ton of reviews to read.

Search on Trip Advisor. People love to review on Trip Advisor.

Try something small. Go to a restaurant you normally wouldn’t visit and just have an appetizer. That will give you the chance to look at what others are ordering. Ask other diners what they think.

Delicious Shrimp Cocktail at Hobarts Lighthouse www.hobartslighthouse.ca

Check out social media. You can see how many followers the restaurant has, what type of photos they post and what response they get.

Read ATOTK Chefs of the Kawarthas articles. These are the people cooking your meal. You may just find that they worked in Europe at a high-end restaurant.

Once you decide where you are going, ask the waiter what their signature dish is. They know the menu and should be able to guide you according to your preferences.

This may seem like a lot of work, but in the end you will be glad you took the time. Be adventurous and start exploring! You will be pleasantly surprised by the culinary delights that the Kawarthas have to offer.