Too darn hot

A couple of times recently I’ve been sitting across from a dining companion and the thought has flashed across my mind, “God, I’m hot.” Maybe it’s this scoop-necked wool knit that brings out the colour of my eyes but hey, he knows it, I know it, what’s the point of denying it? Darn hot.

Just last week, at Pier in Rose Bay, a restaurant I’d been looking forward to dining at all week, I spent most of the night in a rosy-cheeked and shiny fug wondering whether anyone would notice if I took off the aforementioned knit. Or lay on the floor for a minute to cool down.

Yes, I understand that it’s winter outside and some heating is appropriate, especially in a venue constructed largely of glass and wood, but that doesn’t mean the thermostat has to be set at tropical.

When female guests are muttering about early menopause and the blokes are mopping their brows with crumpled napkins, surely it’s time to reconsider the ambient temperature?

It may seem a little churlish to complain about something as basic as the heating but an enjoyable meal is the sum of all its parts, not just the food on the plate. Poor lighting, uncomfortable chairs or too-intrusive music can easily ruin a dining experience and sadly, it’s the negatives that tend to be remembered long after the flavours, however delicious, have faded.

A quick google search suggests that scientists have found that humans are most comfortable at temperatures between 20-25°C, which seems about right. My bet is that by turning down the thermostat, restaurants will see diners more inclined to linger over dessert and coffee, and possibly save a few bucks on their electricity bill into the bargain.