Taste this, a food bloggers exploration in Paris…

 

Recently there’s been a buzz about food bloggers and even a recent article that fueled the debate about the etiquette of taking photos in restaurants, and writing about the food. I do agree that there should be some decorum when taking restaurant photos, like not using flash, blinding all the diners.  In general, I think it’s great that people are taking an interest in food, and blogging, because I don’t necessarily want to see glossy photos or a PR spin of a restaurant; I’d like to see a “real” assessment, warts and all. Secondly, it keeps restaurants on their game, and it also keeps other bloggers honest. I find it offensive and even insulting that some bloggers feel that they have a monopoly on this topic, or only the “experienced” or “learned” should be able to critique a restaurant.  The terms “trusted”, “credentialed” or “professional” often used in restaurant reviews is arbitrary. 

There is a debate as to who is qualified to write or blog about food.  Should it be a restaurateur or a certified Chef? Let’s think about this a minute, Is it necessary that a baseball referee was a professional baseball player? Does making a blockbuster movie make a movie critic? Is it right to say that only published best selling authors be allowed to be a book critic.  My point is, opinions are subjective. Writing or blogging about food, like taste, is subjective. It allows people to read diverse opinions and make their own assessment.

Recently, I did a restaurant review with some friends, my friends said, let's tell the Chef that you're doing a review. I responded by saying, "absolutely NOT." The Paris food community of writers is a very small, tight knit community. Many Chefs and restaurateurs are also friends with the food writers or bloggers. So, food for thought, when you get comped with e.g., extra food items or drinks or get “special” treatment, how objective can you be?  Unfortunately, I believe it becomes more about the hype and being in the “elite” food crowd. It makes you wonder if the food is really worth it or is it a great PR strategy for both the restaurateur and blogger?

As I’ve mentioned in a previous blog, some restaurants have become so popular, in demand, and almost impossible to get in at all, because of the PR blitzes. Sure, in some cases the food is fabulous, but what happens is for some, you fuel their egos, and they become arrogant to the point of not caring about basic customer service. Recently, a very good friend a mine made reservations to a relatively new “in” restaurant for lunch.  As she and her companion neared the restaurant, she noticed it looked closed, except the Chef was still there. She told the Chef it was her birthday and they have reservations for lunch. Well he said it was closed for the week, and they had notified everyone, showed her the reservation book with their name scratched out, as if to prove, I’m right and you’re wrong. My friend assured him that she never got the notification, he did not care. He never once offered an apology or a suggestion that he could call another restaurant so they could enjoy a nice birthday lunch. This lack of empathy/customer service is deplorable. And, this Chef has been trained in the U.S. where the customer is always right. Dining should be about the WHOLE experience that starts the minute you make a reservation, to the very end when you walk out that restaurant door.  It should not just be about the hype.

I enjoy reading food blogs and reviews.  All I’m saying is you don’t have to follow the pack. If you have a different opinion, then say so.  Food blogging and reviews should be honest and sincere.  And, I say to the restaurateurs and Chefs, if at minimum you want to survive, “feedback” is good, without it, how do you know you’re providing customers what they want, deserve and expect?”  In my opinion, food alone does not make a restaurant.  And, for the food blogger wanna be, there’s room for you and your opinions.

Anyway, these are my thoughts about food and blogging .