So you’re about to meet your in-laws. There are few moments in the course of a relationship that are quite as nerve-wracking as introducing yourself to your beloved’s parents. After all, they raised the love of your life. Making a good first impression can mean the difference between a warm and loving relationship with your future Mom and Pop-in-Law, or a frosty phone call on holidays.
Luckily, if you plan things right, there’s really no need to stress. So sit down, pull out your fork, and get ready to chow down at one of these dinner spots that is sure to impress even the most curmudgeonly and hard to please in-laws.
Sample the best of your local cuisine
Each city has something that it’s known for. Maine is famous for lobster, Kansas City is known for drool-worthy barbecue, and Chicago is well-known as the pizza capital of America. If your in-laws are visiting from out-of-town, it’s a great idea to take them to a place that exemplifies the best of what your city has to offer. Take them to get the best gumbo in New Orleans or the tastiest fish in California. They’ll be impressed at how comfortable you are in your environment. It will also open the door to small talk about local culture and the culture of their hometown.
Check out a prime steakhouse
If you want to impress your in-laws, you need to think quality. Your in-laws are older and probably wiser than you. They’ll be able to tell if you take them somewhere cheap, and inviting your guests to eat cheap food shows that you don’t value them. Nothing says quality like a prime steakhouse. Steak is an all-American classic delicacy. Taking your in-laws to dine on steak shows that you value their good opinion and are interested in learning about their values. When the stakes of a relationship are this high, there’s no need to risk it on anything less than the best.
Go to a great burger joint
McDonald’s probably won’t do much to impress your future in-laws, but a good quality burger joint provides a more relaxed atmosphere for everyone to get to know each other. If you want a less formal and more laid-back setting for your introduction to your in-laws, try taking them to get a nice juicy burger. Check with your sweetie to make sure your in-laws enjoy meat and don’t have any allergies before making the reservation.
Getting to know your future in-laws over dinner doesn’t have to be an intimidating experience. Try one of these impressive ideas to wow them and show that you are a worthy suitor for their son or daughter.