2010 Call to Arms

[nickloman]

I propose a new manifesto for 2010. Will you join me?

In 2010 I will, support my local restaurant who may be going through difficult times.

In 2010 I will, offer constructive feedback directly to the owner when I encounter crap food, crap service or just general crapness. And pledge not to return if those complaints are not accepted in the spirit they are intended. But I will keep coming back if criticism is taken on board and addressed, knowing that perfection is not obtainable.

In 2010 I will, try to avoid chain restaurants which are contributing to the moribund state of dining in this country.

In 2010 I will, not follow the herd and try and book the same restaurant as everyone else after a review comes out.

In 2010 I will, try and eat out more on slow weekdays, knowing I will get better service and food than on a Saturday night.

In 2010 I will, remember not to order the tasting wine course knowing it's usually hateful.

In 2010 I will, stop being a slave to Michelin and all the other guides, trusting my own judgement first and foremost (and that of other eGulleteers)

Edited January 5, 2010 by nickloman (log)

[Harters]

Yes, with a caveat.

I will not discount any available information, whether from guides, review sites, published reviews,or discussion boards - but I will continue to regard it as just another source of information.

And I'll add one:

In 2010, I will eat more lunches knowing I can stretch the contents of my hard pressed wallet further.

[cmling]

If by "tasting wine course" you mean wine pairings suggested by the sommelier, my experience is diametrically opposite.

But in all other respects, I agree!

[violetfox]

Well, I'm not all that keen on manifestos, but you maek some good points.

Yes, I will support my "local" restaurants going through hard times. In my case, local includes within a 100-mile radius, as we have two tolerable restaurants within 5 miles of my house. TWO. I will enthusiastically NOT support the many awful local restaurants in my neighborhood.

I will complain (politely) to the owner about a pointedly bad experience, and if I am not satisfied with the response, I won't return.

I will do my best to not eat at chains and fast food mills.

I will, however, eat at a new restaurant anytime I feel like it, just because I'm pleased to do so.

I will eat out when it's convenient for me to do so, whatever night it happens to be.

I will NOT avoid the wine tasting menu at, say, Le Bernardin, because to do so would be masochistically depriving myself of a wonderful experience. I will, however, avoid wine tasting menus (and tasting menus in general) unless I have very good reason to blow a month's pay.

I will use any and all information except Zagat available to choose my dining experiences.

I will feel free to change my mind about any of the points above at any time, depending upon my mood of the moment.