The future of dining? See the Sydney restaurant that's replaced menus with iPads

by Daniel Long  |  Friday 11 June 2010
The future of dining? See the Sydney restaurant that's replaced menus with iPads

One Sydney restaurant is changing the way we order our food - by using an iPad. We sample food ordered via the 'Menupad'. See the video

 

Nestled in the quiet back streets of North Sydney, the unassuming Global Mundo Tapas restaurant at the Rydges Hotel is gaining global attention for one offbeat, but interesting reason: instead of regular menus, diners use an iPad to order their dinners. And as we found out, it's actually surprisingly useful.

As you can see in our video, using an iPad to order your food may feel unusual at first - but it's an idea that could have potential. Though we wonder how long it will take before somebody spills wine on one of the units, it's a scenario that dosn't faze area general manager of Rydges Hotels & Resorts, Craig Simpson.

"That's just the price of doing business" he said. Even if that price works out to be more than $600 a menu?

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See more about:  ipad  |  menu  |  food  |  apple  |  critics  |  menupad  |  tapas  |  restaurant  |  rydges  |  sydney
 
 
Comments: 13
photohounds
12 June 2010
 Hmm a lot bigger than the electronic devices restaurants have been using for over a decade. Cheaper than pretty waitresses, but nowhere as easy on the eyes. A retrograde step in service, I prefer people.

Just something CAN be computerised, does not mean it SHOULD. This use of a tablet brings restaurants one step closer to vending machines and fast food eateries.




Comment made about the PC Authority article:
The future of dining? See the Sydney restaurant that's replaced menus with iPads?
One Sydney restaurant is changing the way we order our food - by using an iPad. We sample food ordered via the 'Menupad'. See the video

What do you think? Join the discussion.
petergaskin
12 June 2010
 What if you are blind, have problem reading or just dont like using electronic devices after spending all day using electronic devices?
gnome
12 June 2010
Lighten up, people, the iPad still has to be delivered by a waiter. It doesn't change the standard of service, or accessability for disabled patrons.
Slatts
12 June 2010
 Of course if the restaurant was set up next to a certain specialist fruit store...
Slatts
12 June 2010
 Having just watched the video, it looks like a damn fine, well implemented idea.

It looks totally intuitive.
photohounds
13 June 2010
 It does look OK, but removes people from the equation by one more degree. I'm sure it works just 'fine' but I prefer a different experience to an ATM-like ordering system.

I KNOW this will catch on. Pity those poor youngsters putting th4emselves through UNI with a waiting job, though. Those jobs will soon become harder to get.

Even "IF" it passed on the cost savings to the customer, I'd still prefer a person. Better than BAD service perhaps.
Slatts
13 June 2010
photohounds wrote:
It does look OK, but removes people from the equation by one more degree. I'm sure it works just 'fine' but I prefer a different experience to an ATM-like ordering system.

I KNOW this will catch on. Pity those poor youngsters putting th4emselves through UNI with a waiting job, though. Those jobs will soon become harder to get.

Even "IF" it passed on the cost savings to the customer, I'd still prefer a person. Better than BAD service perhaps.


Someone still has to bring the meals and drinks to the table.

And present it in an appropriate manner.
tikies
13 June 2010
 "We paid Sydney's Global Mundo Tapas restaurant a quick visit and filmed the somewhat odd experience." How much "film" was in your digital video camera Daniel?
I'm amazed that in US tv shows and movies they often refer to CD/DVD as "tapes"
Slatts
13 June 2010
tikies wrote:
"We paid Sydney's Global Mundo Tapas restaurant a quick visit and filmed the somewhat odd experience." How much "film" was in your digital video camera Daniel?
I'm amazed that in US tv shows and movies they often refer to CD/DVD as "tapes"


A bit picky, tikies, don't you think? :-k

photohounds
15 June 2010
 Fact is you can do the same with less humans. I express my doubt that the savings will be passed on. So what's the benefit to someone who actually likes people (it's why I go out - I have plenty of tech @ home . . .)
Slatts
15 June 2010
photohounds wrote:
Fact is you can do the same with less humans. I express my doubt that the savings will be passed on. So what's the benefit to someone who actually likes people (it's why I go out - I have plenty of tech @ home . . .)


And you, as does anyone else, have the right to vote with your feet.
photohounds
15 June 2010
 You are right. I guess I have the right NOT to seek only human-replacing tech eateries, and you have the right to order take-away every night. I won't try to deter you.
The unexpected benefit may well be that people who prefer other people people will dine in similar establishments, and may actually talk a bit more about the things humans do. Their fellow diners might actually me interested in a brief exchange here and there as well.

People who prefer tech will perhaps be able to ignore their fellow clientele who also prefer tech, as they probably already do. They may not even bother to beam their words around the room without making face to face contact.

Oh yes, to save them from even having to turn a head, let alone make eye contact, they might be able to cope with writing comments and play 'pass the ipad' around the eatery?

Fast food eateries have most ipad capabilities already, albeit they are bolted to the counter. Push a button here and there, pay, and out pops your order - enjoy.

Perhaps a vending machine is the logical extension - as we see in Japan? Home delivered meals are very popular too, there's no denying the fact.
JamesKenno
22 June 2010
 "Home delivered meals are very popular too, there's no denying the fact."

I recently downloaded a free iPhone Application called "Plastic Fork". It allows you to select restaurants and view menus by categories and place orders for take-away as well as home delivery.

The service extends to restaurants throughout Australia. I have already used it once- we were on our way back from a weekend away and ordered in dinner from the car on the long commute home. When we arrived home our food arrived to our door- simple, efficient snd amazingly convenient. I don't feel that it in any way detracts from human interaction or engagement- my family got to sit around and enjoy a great meal togehter, from a choice of over 200 restaurant menus at the end of a long drive!

This application will be even better once more and more restaurants register- it is very new. I recommend it to all Aussies!

You can download the Plastic Fork App for free (or register your restaurant) at their website: Plastic Fork
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