In the thirty-plus years my wife Sharon and I have known each other (Note from Sharon: holy crap, it HAS been that long!), we’ve traveled together a lot. Over time, we’ve learned countless tips and tricks—many of which we’ve shared here—that make our trips smoother and more enjoyable.
But of all the things I’ve learned, there’s one simple question that’s helped us more than anything else. I’ve been using it longer than I’ve known Sharon, and it’s led us to some of the best, most memorable meals we’ve ever had.
And the credit goes to my late father—one of the many things he taught me that stuck for life.
How It All Started
I was about sixteen when I first heard my dad ask the question. We were staying at the Hyatt Tampa Bay (now the Grand Hyatt) and wanted to splurge on a nice dinner. Having a hotel concierge felt like a special treat since we usually stayed at budget spots we found in the Entertainment Book.
We asked the concierge where we should eat. He looked us over—parents in their 40s with a teenage son—and asked what kind of food we liked. Then my dad smiled and said the words that would change how I travel forever.
The Question
“If you only had one night in town and could eat wherever you wanted, where would you go?”
It’s brilliant. That one line takes all the pressure off the concierge (or anyone you ask). Instead of trying to guess what you want, they think about where they would go. By saying you only have one night, it sets the stage for something truly special—somewhere they’d regret missing if it were their last night in town.
It might not be the fanciest restaurant or the trendiest spot in town, but it’s almost always memorable.
That night, the concierge sent us to Bern’s Steak House.
I can’t believe I’m sharing this, but here’s proof from 1989. Thankfully, we brought jackets (I was in Tampa receiving the YABA Youth Leader of the Year award—hence the celebration).
Note from Sharon: YABA stands for Young American Bowling Alliance. Joe’s a REALLY good bowler—three 300 games! He doesn’t bowl nearly as often now, but he started when he was five.
When We Started Using It Ourselves
My dad kept asking that question everywhere we traveled, and I didn’t fully appreciate how smart it was until years later. Once the internet came along, it felt easier to look up restaurants online. I’d spend hours scrolling through reviews before realizing I’d wasted precious vacation time.
Then, on an Adventures by Disney trip in Sedona, AZ, I suddenly remembered “the question.”
When our guides offered dining suggestions, I asked, “If you only had one night in town, where would you go to eat?”
The guide smiled. “Do you like Italian?”
“I do—if it’s good.”
“Then go to Dahl and DiLuca.”
He admitted he usually didn’t recommend it because tourists wanted steakhouses—but that’s where he actually ate. That sealed it.
When we arrived, the concierge even confirmed we’d made the right choice. And as we were leaving, who walked in but our guides—coming there for dinner themselves. That’s when I knew my dad’s advice was gold.
We loved it so much that we went back to Sedona just to eat there again.
It Works Everywhere—Even Overseas
I’ve used the question all over the world. In London, at the Great Northern Hotel near King’s Cross, I asked the front desk where they liked to eat nearby. Suddenly, their polite hesitancy disappeared, and they enthusiastically rattled off five personal favorites. We ended up at a fantastic Greek spot that’s, sadly, no longer around.
These days, we don’t use the question as much—mainly because we often visit friends or readers who have great local suggestions. (That’s how we ended up having Chinese food at National Harbor and Italian in Chicago.)
But every once in a while, when we’re somewhere new and unsure, my dad’s voice still echoes in my head:
“If you only had one night in town…”
And sure enough, it still works.
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