The Reluctant Food Critic

Jesse's Restaurant Magnolia Alabama
Jesse’s Restaurant Magnolia Alabama

I would like to think that I am knowledgeable about food, flavors and culinary things that matter. Not that I have been professionally  trained in the art of food, but because I love to eat good food.  I love to eat exciting complex flavors that explode in your mouth.

Thai Restaurant in Koreatown of LA California
Thai Restaurant in Koreatown of LA California

I detest bad, boring, bland and uninspired food. I am not referring to food that is “bad for you” because we all make food choices that are unhealthy.  Although eating poorly, is something that we should  pay attention to as well. I am talking about food that tastes bad.

Dining out is a choice. The premise is simple. A customer walks in a restaurant, and chooses from the planned menu. The restaurant cooks and delivers the meal. All of this so far seems really simple and not rocket science. If that were the case, so many restaurants would not open and then close.

As a person that loves to eat good food and loves to cook, I know that cooking good food is hard work. It requires quality ingredients created with interest, prepared properly and delivered promptly. Once achieved,  delivered consistently.

Full Breakfast served in Laguana Beach
Full Breakfast served in Laguana Beach

Owning a restaurant  is extremely hard for a host of reasons. I waited tables as a young adult and I remember the challenges of working in a restaurant let alone owning one. If you decide to open one, be ready to give your life over to food and service. It is a noble cause and we will love you for it.

Wee Chef with Alabama Chef's Hat grating cheese
Wee Chef with Alabama Chef’s Hat

Please don’t do it, unless you mean it. All of us want to support your restaurant, but give us a break. I will no longer feel guilty that your restaurant served “bad food”. I will be kind but respectfully send it back.

When I travel and dine on food with interesting flavors or spice combinations it makes me happy. All restaurants should strive to excite your palate.

Swordfish served three ways with Mashed Potatoes and Carrots
Swordfish served three ways with Mashed Potatoes and Carrots

It is hard to get excited when restaurants  have similar items on the menu. What makes one menu stand out from the other?

It is hard to get excited and be a frequent customer if the menu is the same all the time.

I am often in the kitchen cooking which makes me love dining out on new and different flavors. We should only support good restaurants.  We need to communicate with the ones that are “not so good” and let them know what we expect.

Restaurants should offer the following:

Farm to Table
Fresh Local Seafood
Seasonal Menu Changes
Wine and Food Pairings
Diversity in Flavors and Ethnic Foods

If a restaurant is willing to serve bad food, then I am going to send it back. How else will they improve if we don’t let them know that it is bad, boring, bland or mediocre?

The Reluctant Critic

 

 

 

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Author: Mimi

I have a love affair with food, entertaining, travel and music. www.diningwithmimi.com is a vehicle for me to share my journey of food, travel and music. Traveling allows exposure to all types of foods and flavors. I have learned to cook by being hungry, curious and willing to fail. Food is another form of art and creative expression. Join me on my journey. Copyright 2016-2022 by Mimi

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