Combining Culinary Excellence with Exceptional Customer Service

It has been wonderful to see all the recent successes of friends, clients and industry peers in the recent Perfect Plate Awards, and it reminded me that the fusion of culinary excellence and top-tier customer service is paramount. While exquisite food draws guests in, exceptional service ensures they return, creating a memorable dining experience that resonates with guests long after they've left.

Our industry boasts remarkable culinary talent, as evidenced by the recent accolades awarded to various clubs. Currarong Bowling & Recreation Club and Mounties have showcased their prowess through innovative dishes such as "Lamb and Beets" and “Sweet & Sour Pork with Lychee and Green Apple”, respectively. These culinary creations not only highlight the chefs' skills but also their ability to innovate and impress. Regional clubs have also shone brightly, with The Ary Toukley earning accolades for its “Belgium Chocolate Fondant”, proving that exceptional culinary delights are not confined to metropolitan areas. Showcasing local produce and regional flavours, these clubs enhance the dining experience with fresh, unique ingredients.

However, even the finest dishes can be overshadowed if not complemented by excellent customer service. Guests seek not just a meal, but an experience. This is where customer service plays a crucial role. Friendly, attentive staff who can anticipate and meet guests' needs elevate the dining experience, turning a good meal into a great one. Training to serve with confidence, as exemplified by our Customer Service Excellence & Engagement Workshops, ensures that your frontline team is equipped to handle the nuances of customer interactions. This training builds a culture of excellence, where every team member is aligned with the goal of delivering exceptional service.

When visiting Cairns recently I dined at Dundee's restaurant located at the Aquarium. With a wonderful backdrop of the fish gliding by the glass wall and a menu that offered the diner a selection of the local delights, this is a restaurant that could rest on its position and food alone as every dish I had was amazing. However, it was the service that wowed me. From the warm and friendly welcome at the front counter, to the wait person sharing their knowledge of the menu, offering suggestions, and making the diners feel that they were delighted to have them in the restaurant.

I have experienced too often as a "solo traveller", the feeling that I am a burden to the staff, tucked away in a poorly lit corner and forgotten about. This certainly was not the case at Dundee's. Recognising diners that had been in earlier on in the day for breakfast or welcoming regulars or those like me "strangers", everyone was greeted with the same amazing customer service experience. Yes, the food and location were wonderful, but it was everyone working on the floor that night and the Chef's in the kitchen who created a memorable customer experience.

When culinary brilliance and outstanding service converge, the result is a holistic dining experience that delights all the senses. Guests are not just satisfied; they are enchanted, eager to return and share their experiences with others. This alignment is the cornerstone of success in the hospitality industry. So, as we celebrate the culinary achievements within our industry, let’s also recognise the vital role of exceptional customer service. Together, they form the perfect recipe for success, ensuring our guests leave not only satisfied but truly impressed.