Fine Dining Note Taking

I have been performing fine dining assignments for about a year so they are not new to me. However, I am certain there must be a better way to take notes than using my cell phone every 15 minutes. I basically keep Evernote open and quickly jot down timings and quotes so it looks like I am texting. Video or voice recording the meal is out of the question for me. How does everyone else do it?

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There are several discussions here on this subject, several are very recent.

My posts are solely based on my opinions and for my entertainment, contact a professional if you need real advice.

When you get in debt you become a slave. - Andrew Jackson

I just jot down times on a note pad. The rest I remember, foods listed on the receipt and server. I only quote the greeting, and the departure. The rest is from memory. I don't quote much more, not necessary.

Also read the online menu before and after and then you can get a better idea of ingredients to be included on the item. Less to have to remember.

Thanks all. I have read previous posts but was hoping for new ideas. I do preview the menu and work out the total, etc and agree it helps alot.

@shopper8-how do you make writing notes on a pad in a fine dining place look normal? Do you make it look like a business meeting? Thanks!

But how does everyone else handle the timings? For example, I record the time on my phone that each item is delivered, check backs, etc right after it occurs. Is this what others do?

I've gone in with a pad and pen with a half-written magazine article on it. I've actually worked on the article and made coded notes in the margin of the paper regarding the shop. It helps that I use the very fine point pens and print small. I haven't been outed yet. I also usually take a sheet of B&W thumbnail pictures to help with the cover story.

ETA: I also an in a single party state and generally audio record the shops at the same time.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/16/2015 05:21PM by James Bond 007.5.

I utilize pictures a lot. I take pictures of the food, table setting, restaurant, selfies with the staff, etc. Just kidding about the selfies with the staff though.

I also take advantage of the clock on my phone to log down actual times, as opposed to elapsed times.

Very infrequently shopping the Greater Denver Area, Colorado Springs and in-between in Colorado these days.

I don't use anything else but my watch and a small piece of paper where I note down the time and names when I visit the washroom. I never, ever write anything until I am inside the washroom. And I do not take shops where photos are required to be taken of the menu, the food or the washroom. I have been lucky that I have not required the help of my cell phone. If I need to write more, I visit the washroom again. Some restaurants require two visits. I usually do fine dining.

I often write some codes to trigger my memory when writing my report. I remember names by associating them with someone I know. I used to forget if the staff was wearing glasses. Now I just close my eyes and remember the person.
I have unknowingly trained myself to improve on my memory. It's something that came out of necessity and I did not realize one could develop. It has the influence of the speed reading I took long before I became a mshopper.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/19/2015 03:46AM by risinghorizon.

BellaFenice,

I use cell phone app, or sometimes a wristwatch for timings. Yes, I started with a wristwatch for timings. Texting is becoming more and more accepted, so emailing to yourself, or writing a memo on your cell phone is becoming more viable on fine dining shops.

Happily shopping Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts and Connecticut

Great tips - Thanks everyone!

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