I have been quite fortunate to have experienced some great meals, both large and small, as well as cheap to the extravagant.

Today, I want to talk to you abstractly about a paryicular culinary experience. In particular, I want to take apart a culinary conundrum that has left many diners feeling a little less satisfied than they’d like – the fancy prix fixe menu. How many movie or television scenes have we watched that depict getting a burger or pizza after eating such a meal. I always think of the Keanu Reeves scene in Always be my Maybe.

While these meticulously crafted dining experiences can offer glimpses into a chef’s creativity, they often come with a set of challenges that can leave you yearning for a bit more control over your meal.

One of my biggest problems with prix fixe menus is the lack of choice. You walk into a restaurant with the anticipation of savoring your favorite dishes or exploring new culinary delights, only to find that your fate is sealed – the chef will decide what you eat tonight.

While relinquishing control can be an exciting adventure at times, it can also be burdensome. What if you’re not in the mood for a particular ingredient? What if you have dietary restrictions or allergies? Suddenly, the lack of choice transforms from an interesting concept into a potential predicament. And, I encounter that issue quite often as I have a seafood allergy.

Another common pitfall of prix fixe menus is the tendency to go overboard with vegetables. Don’t get me wrong; vegetables are delightful, and when prepared thoughtfully, they can elevate a meal to new heights. However, when every course seems to be a vegetable showcase, it can leave you longing for a bit more variety and protein. Something more filling.

For those with dietary preferences or restrictions, like vegetarians or vegans, this might not pose a problem. But for others, it can feel like a missed opportunity to savor a wider range of flavors and textures.

For those with allergies, like seafood allergies, prix fixe menus can become quite the challenge. Suddenly, the anticipation of an exquisite meal turns into a game of culinary roulette. Will the chef accommodate your dietary needs, or will you be faced with a table full of dishes you can’t enjoy?


Let’s not forget the beverages. Fancy prix fixe menus often come with drink pairings that are as meticulously curated as the food itself. While this can enhance the overall experience, it can also significantly increase the final bill. Drinks, especially alcoholic ones, can quickly become an expensive addition to an already costly dining adventure.

Now, I mustn’t forget to acknowledge the positive side of prix fixe menus – the opportunity to marvel at the chef’s ingenuity. These carefully curated meals can be a true culinary journey, with each course telling a unique story and showcasing the chef’s expertise.

However, it’s essential to strike a balance between creativity and choice. While surrendering control can be an exciting change of pace, it’s equally important for diners to have the freedom to tailor their dining experience to their preferences and dietary needs.
So, the next time you embark on a prix fixe adventure, remember that the art of dining is as much about the diner’s experience as it is about the chef’s creativity.

I leave you savoring the complexities of culinary choice one bite and restaurant at a time.