Is bringing a flashlight into a dimly-lit fine dining establishment considered uncouth?

Question

I would like to see the menu and not cause a scene.

Answer 1

It is certainly not uncouth, it's actually a good idea. Just make sure to buy a small, pocket-sized LED flashlight, as bigger ones tend to get pretty bulky. You can buy those in your friendly supermarkets, and they're quiet cheap (around or less than $5). They have those ones that have a white light, instead of the yellow ones. Pretty nifty. I actually own one.

I have seen servers in fine dining restaurants (where typical check minimum is $50 and goes upwards from there and whose lighting almost non-existent) to carry one of those. If your server carries it, why shouldn't you?

I suggest you check out this webpage, they have reviews on all the flashlights that you could possibly imagine. They get pretty in depth too. http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews_index/reviews_by_mfgrs.htm

If that isn't possible, you could befriend your friendly server and ask them to explain the menu and for recommendations. You could end up enjoying a new dish that you wouldn't normally order in the first place.

Answer 2

Hey May '85,

I too go to restaurants that will dim their lights a little more than I would like in the evening hours.

I have three solutions:

1). I have purchased a small light + magnifying glass combination called the "Magnavision" It's small enough that I can carry it in my pocket, yet bright enough to see in any situation.
2). I don't recall the name, but I found a credit card light/magnifying glass that I bought my mom. I wish I had bought two, but I don't carry a wallet, just credit cards and cash - this would have become scratched if it had not been in a wallet.
3). Many restaurants have a separate menu for older individuals, It is printed in a larger font and usually in bold print. They are very discreet about it and most people sitting in the restaurant will either not know or if they do, will be very jealous that you are one that will actually know what you are ordering!

Uncouth -- I consider children in fine dining establishments to be uncouth -- But like opinions and a**holes, we all have them -- so who cares what others think! Unless they are paying for your meal -- Ignore them!

Whatever you need to ensure that you have an enjoyable meal is OK with me (and I am certain -- with the restaurant as well!)!

James in San Diego

Answer 3

I would. I went to a dimly lit restaurant with my dad and he absolutely could not read the menu. We even asked the waiter if there was a flashlight we could borrow but there wasn't. I think that restaurants should anticipate that some people have problems with their eyes and need more light to read. If anyone says anything to you, point out that thier restaurant needs to make accomidations for people with disabilities. People have sued businesses over more minor things, so I think no one will bother you about using a flashlight.

Answer 4

what is uncouth is any restaurant lighting that is so dim it requires the need for a flashlight while dining out. Course, on the other hand,, if you are adventurous-guesswork at what you are ordering ordinarily might bring terrific new cuisine you'd never think of trying, or a nightmare even Elm Street could not surpass!

marlyne B

Answer 5

Indestructible Tactical LED Flashlight - http://FlashLight.uzaev.com/?fnrv

Answer 6

Bring a small keychain flashlight, snakk enough that it would not be noticed by other diners. With the possible exception of the waiter, no one should care.

Answer 7

A flashlight would most certainly cause a scene.

Answer 8

Can yuou be subtle about it? I mean, I know how your feel.

You want the lamb and end up ordering sweetbreads.

Answer 9

Yes, but if you really need it to see use a small key chain type one.

Answer 10

That would be pretty funny.

Why not just bring in a torch?

Or a lantern?