Use the Internet to your advantage when dining out

There is no denying that ours is a culture increasingly dependent on technology in all facets of daily life. We rely on e-mail and messaging to keep in touch and turn to our tablets or smart phones to keep track of current events and entertainment. Meetings and even educational programs are offered via video chats and groups. Many people would admit that they'd feel lost without their gadget of choice at the ready. Individuals who rely on technology may be in search of other ways to employ their digital prowess, and researching restaurants and making reservations online might be right up their alley.

With their phones boasting apps that can zero in on top-rated restaurants and other nearby establishments, individuals very often turn to their trusty tablets or smartphones to make decisions on where to eat. According to AIS Media, 89 percent of consumers say they have researched a restaurant online before dining there. Those most likely to use the Internet to check out menus and other information about food establishments are people ages 25 to 45. And of those consumers who have researched a restaurant online, 33 percent view other consumer's reviews online prior to dining.

Researching restaurants isn't all people are doing online. They're also making reservations. Services like OpenTable (www.opentablecom) allow diners to browse through more than 25,000 restaurants partnered with the service and make reservations -- even down to table selection. Simply search for your favorite restaurant or browse by specific region. Then select your time and fill out the required information. Many restaurants are using this service to help manage their restaurant reservation process.

Although services like this may help remove confusion over reservations, there also are steps diners can take to ensure their night out on the town goes off without a hitch.

* Choose restaurants based on food quality and not based on celebrity sightings. Restaurants concerned about food are more likely to seat you promptly than trendy spots would.

* When calling for a reservation, do so in the early afternoon when the hostess station is not overwhelmed with customers. If you have been a good customer in the past, it doesn't hurt to mention that.

* Use a service like OpenTable. You'll have a restaurant confirmation to show the hostess.

* Tip the maitre d' or hostess on your way out from dining if you plan to return again.

* If there is a wait, stand by the hostess station to reduce your risk of being lost in the crowd.