The One Restaurant Rule High-Quality Chefs Would Never Compromise On

Everyone has a restaurant they favor more than most. Julia Child had plenty, for instance. And oftentimes, we return for the same menu, and perhaps never get bored of it, because of the one restaurant rule that high-quality chefs would never compromise on. Chowhound exclusively spoke with Patrick Ochs — corporate executive chef at Ink Entertainment, Miami — who made it clear why we continue to support our favorite dining spots. "A cooking principle that just about every high-quality chef would agree with when serving guests is consistency," he said, though it goes far beyond the food itself. "Delivering the same high standard in taste, presentation, quality, hospitality, and service ensures guests know what to expect and builds trust in the overall dining experience," he added.

Without these, restaurants would lose loyal patrons. That's why you have the drive (to put it lightly) to visit the same restaurants that you love over and over again — you can be assured that the experience is the same as the last, even if your main reason for going is that you enjoy the vibe. The restaurant's atmosphere makes food literally taste better, after all. And since humans are said to be creatures of familiarity, we find sanctuary in it, hence why we reach for our comfort food on our worst days.

For chefs, consistency is important because it's their name on the line. "Most chefs abide by this principle because inconsistency can undermine their reputation and the integrity of the restaurant," Patrick Ochs mentioned. But great overall service isn't just bestowed upon familiar faces. Ochs explained how he makes sure that even first-timers will be greeted with the same pleasantries.

For diners, going through a similar fulfilling encounter causes the production of dopamine. Since it has already left a positive mark on us before, we tend to expect the same outcome, hence why we feel inclined to do it all over again. This is why we never resist our comfort food, or a visit to our comfort restaurants, even if we've just visited the week before. Our brain tells us that after our indulgence, we'll feel happier. But as mentioned, it doesn't stop at food. It could also be the friendly servers, the laid-back aesthetic, or the moody lighting (there's a reason restaurants keep lighting so dim!). Whether it's the unbeatable filet mignon from a fine dining location or the novelty of a hidden, underground eatery, our comfort restaurant guarantees pleasure, and we all have consistency to thank for that.