When dining in the most famous fine dining restaurants, especially those Michelin star-rated in Europe. the United States or Asia, one expects not only exceptional food and impeccable service but an overall memorable and high-class experience. This is not a tall order especially since the amount paid for such gourmet meals can reach hundreds of even thousands of dollars per person! Even non-awarded restaurants that serve excellent meals using very special ingredients like steak, lobster, foie gras and others command high prices.
Though theserestaurants put top priority in ingredient selection, chefs’ preparation and creative plating, other seemingly trivial factors are likewise considered to make the overall dining experience memorable and worth another visit when a special occasion arises. Though it seems insignificant, the best quality napkins folded impeccably can contribute significantly to the overall impact of a meal. For VIP functions, heritage restaurants sometimes bring out antique napkins which have been preserved for many years. This is like bringing out the best porcelain cups when the hundred dollar cups of coffee are ordered. Though these may not necessarily absorb the most liquid or residue from a diner’s lips, its simple history makes for interesting conversation.
For the gourmet who doesn’t compromise and spends for meals in fine dining establishments, an exceptional breakfast, lunch or dinner is a combination of excellent food, ambiance and value for money. All of these important factors complement each other and exceed the diner’s expectations. For the wide variety of modern, fusion, casual and family restaurants, the best napkins and folding techniques vary according to the quality of the cloth or thickness of the paper used.
These characteristics affect the way these are folded. Print and color are also things to consider when developing a signature napkin folding technique. Polyester fabric and thin flimsy paper do not hold creases as well as pure cotton, linen or multi-ply thick paper napkins. Environmentalists from on virgin pulp paper napkins due to the number of trees cut down to manufacture them. They’d rather go for recycled paper.
The appropriateness of the napkin depends on the service offered. Fine dining establishments with only a few dozen covers can afford more resources and time for their staff to present their table set up creatively and impeccably compared to a hundred seat casual dining buffet restaurant wherein volume can matter more than quality.
To rate a napkin folding technique as the “best” is a highly relative task. Perhaps an easier more realistic way to view this is whether the design is practical for the restaurant and serves its purpose.