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Besides, you know, the obvious (the FOOD!).
photography by @THEPLACEIWASTELLINGYOUABOUT produced by ALYSSA CLOUGH
After stumbling across R’el Dade and Marcus Lloyd’s Instagram account for their blog, This Is The Place I Was Telling You About, we became instantly obsessed. Their feed features a solid mix of mouthwatering food and chic decor. You can also expect to see some your favorite New York haunts and new spots you’ve never heard of, creating a distinct element of discovery. Basically, what we’re trying to say, is their feed is perfect and we want to eat where they’re eating. Which is why we asked them what their criteria is for a good restaurant—and not like a “good” restaurant, we’re talking a GOOD restaurant. Keep reading to see what this stylish couple looks for when choosing their next spot.
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THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IS OBVIOUSLY THE FOOD
. Great food can always save a restaurant when they don’t have the other things going on.
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GREAT LIGHTING THROUGHOUT THE SPACE.
You can always grab a good window seat but it’s always nice when the entire space has great lighting.
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THE MUSIC IS SO KEY TO US.
It doesn’t matter the type of music as long as it makes us feel like we have been transported into a different time or lost in the moment.
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THE VOLUME LEVEL OF THE MUSIC ALSO PLAYS AN IMPORTANT PART.
The music shouldn’t be so loud that you can’t hear the people at the table.
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WONDERFUL COCKTAILS ALWAYS SEAL THE DEAL FOR US.
Especially if the bar has Mezcal!
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SERVICE IS SO IMPORTANT.
A great staff that makes you feel at home will have you excited to always come back.
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DECOR IS THE X FACTOR IN OUR EYES.
This really takes the restaurant to the next level, especially when it is well thought out and flows with the theme of the cuisine.
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PASSIONATE OWNERS AND OR CHEFS.
This has become important to us over time. The more we try out new restaurants, the more we want to connect with the people who put it all together. Their passion makes us excited about supporting them long term.
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COOL BARTENDERS, GO A LONG WAY FOR US.
This could go into great service but we didn’t want them to be overlooked. A cool bartender who will chat about spirits and cocktails always opens us up to new flavors and ideas.
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A NICE VIEW
is a cherry on top.
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HAVING A GREAT BRUNCH MENU
, always makes us smile.